Customs sacks 29 senior officials, retires 10

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday dismissed 29 senior officers for various acts of gross misconduct.The Customs Public Affairs, Manager, Wale Adeniyi, who confirmed this in a statement said: “The dismissed officers are among forty-four (44) senior officers who were punished for actions capable of compromising national economy and security.”

According to Adeniyi, 10 other officers were retired from the service, while the appointment of one was terminated. Four officers were given written warnings to be of better conduct while another four officers who were investigated and tried for some offences were exonerated.

Four of the officers who got the hammer were of the rank of deputy-comptroller of customs, while five were assistant comptrollers. Others were seven chief superintendents of customs and four superintendents, among others.

Adeniyi said: “Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (rtd) had made it clear upon his assumption of duties that the service will not compromise on corruption and indiscipline, among the officers corps.”

In line with this, the structure and process for investigation of offences was strengthened to handle cases reported promptly and professionally.”