CSO urges Customs CG to enforce mandatory retirement for due officers

A civil society organisation under the auspices of the Societal Safety Network (SSN) has called on the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr Wale Adeniyi, to ensure that all officers due for retirement are asked to proceed on mandatory retirement leave without further delay.

The CSO, which briefed newsmen in Abuja, raised concerns about five senior officers who were due for retirement but are still in service. The development, they noted, is a violation of public service rules and regulations.

The Director of Public Communication, Societal Safety Network, Mr. Asuku Sunday, warned the Nigeria Customs Service CG, Adeniyi, that the organisation would mobilise for mass action against the Service if, within seven days, the affected officers remain in the Service.

According to him, as the Nigeria Customs Service continues to evolve, a smooth and transparent transition process is imperative. He added that adhering strictly to the rules and regulations established by the NCS Act clearly states the profitability of strict adherence to the rule of law, such as orderliness in leadership succession, merit-based promotions and appointments, and the prevention of administrative bottlenecks and disruptions.

He urged the CG to make a public statement on the status of the officers well-known to the Service, both in the press and with a report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on or before seven working days. “Otherwise, we shall petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with revelations from our searchlight, accompanied by mass action for public interest on the activities of the service.”

The CSO also urged President Tinubu to ensure compliance with retirement laws by directing all officers due for retirement to proceed immediately, in accordance with civil service rules.

Sunday said: “The adherence to these principles safeguards the service’s integrity and ensures the continuity of its reform agenda.

“It is, however, alarming to note that many senior officers due for retirement have refused to proceed on mandatory retirement leave.

“This violation of the NCS Act 2023 and civil service rules has far-reaching implications, such as disrupting the organisational structure in a way that retired officers lingering in office prevent newly promoted officers from assuming their roles.

“This has also blocked the chance of bringing on board new officers through recruitment, most importantly now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.

“This act of the ‘seat-tight syndrome’ in the Nigeria Customs Service is weakening meritocracy, denying opportunities for younger officers, undermining career progression, and affecting organisational morale,” Sunday stated.

He acknowledged that in recent months, under the leadership of the new Comptroller-General, the Service has recorded unprecedented improvements in reforms, efficiency, and revenue generation. He further said the recent transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service reflects a commitment to institutional excellence.

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