Customs hold reunion, pledges improved welfare for retired officers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has held a reunion, on the occasion pledged to improve the welfare of retired officers of the service.

It said that successful organizations invested in training and transition programmes to prepare retired professionals for their advisory roles.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made the pledge in Abuja, during the reunion/sendforth for retired senior officers of Service, with the theme: ‘Our Customs Heroes.’ said that there is need for the NCS to tap former senior officers’ rich wealth of knowledge.

Adeniyi explained that the reunion aims at targeting a thorough upward welfare review for retired officers to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

He noted that NCS will commence a review of retirees’ welfare, digitize its verification exercise for retirees, and look forward to establishing a pension board.

He said: “Today we embark on a journey to bridge the gap between the vibrant energy of our current officers and the seasonal expertise of our retired colleagues.

“The importance of this connection is evidenced in various successful organizations that are without the wealth of experience from their retirees.”

He explained that the reunion will be a symbol of commitment to unity and a stronger, more resilient customs for future development.

He added, “I am confident that with your continued support and guidance and of course prayers for the time we will overcome the challenges and achieve greater heights. Nigeria Customs Service has initiated a number of measures aimed at ameliorating the plight of our retired officer. The first, the provisions in the gazettes are currently undergoing a thorough review and exploration to enhance the welfare free walk of retired officers.

“Additionally, the HRD and the human resource departments will be actively engaged in transitioning the current verification exercises of retired officers and migrating from being a physical format to a digital format, streamlining and expediting the processes.

“We appreciate the wisdom and dedication each of you contributed to serving the Nigeria Customs. It is beneficial for us to use this occasion to celebrate you.

“This event is to connect the past, present and future of present management of the Nigeria Customs Service. To bridge the gap between the past management and the serving customs officers.”

He urged the retired officers not only to benefit from the platform, but to see it as an opportunity to give back to the organization that has been a significant part of their lives for over three decades.