In line with the reform mantra, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Alli (Rtd) echoed on resumption of duty, the winds of reforms have started blowing through the service as the Customs hierarchy have sacked 17 officers for various offenses.
According to a statement signed by the NCS national spokesman, Wale Adeniyi, on Sunday, “17 Junior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed from the Service for offences ranging from drug addiction, certificate forgery, theft and absence from duty from January to September 2016.”
Also the statement explained that, “the appointment of two other officers has been terminated for absence from duty while one Officer was retired for drug addiction.
“Investigations into offences committed by the officers in the senior category are now being concluded. officers found guilty are expected to face similar stiff penalties.
“These disciplinary measures were taken after series of investigations and deliberations by the disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the Management.
“This process is a continuation of the reform agenda the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali promised upon his assumption of office which emphasized discipline, good conduct and transparency.”
Meanwhile, investigations have revealed that some senior officers who are already aware that their names are in the senior officers lists that are being investigated for similar offences have started running to traditional rulers, majorly from the Northern part of the country, for assistance.
Some officers, findings have revealed, have gone to mostly first class traditional rulers to mount pressure on the Customs CG to discard further investigations on the ongoing issues that has already cost 17 junior Customs officers their jobs.
The Customs CG, it was gathered is currently refusing to pick his calls due to series of phone calls from this traditional rulers that he stop further investigations on the issue.
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