A group under the aegis of Leadership Integrity Forum has urged President Ahmed Tinubu to appoint a career officer from within the service not below the rank of Assistant-Comptroller General to head the service
This is coming against the backdrop that the current Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) who is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Service was appointed from outside the service by Former President Nuhammadu Buhari.
The NGO in a statement issued by its Communication Manager, Mr. Clement Adesanya on wednesday said that the appointment is instructive to address what they described as the “Sit Tight Syndrome” within the agency, which they believe obstructs progress, perpetuates fiscal stagnation, and hampers the implementation of the new Nigeria Customs Service Act.
The Forum emphasized the need for immediate action to rectify the situation and ensure a smooth transition in line with the new legislation.
The recently signed Nigeria Customs Service Bill, enacted under former President Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, introduced crucial reforms that prioritized the appointment of qualified individuals to key positions within the agency.
The statement cited Section 14(1)(a) of the Act, which explicitly stated that “The President shall appoint a career officer from the service not below the rank of Assistant-Comptroller General (who shall be responsible for the overall management of the service) and be accountable for all revenue collections and all expenditures made under this Act.”
“It also highlights various functions and appointment provisions outlined in sections 14 (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), and (h) aimed at ensuring effective leadership within the Customs Service.
“However, despite the enactment of the new legislation, the former Comptroller-General, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd), who does not originate from the Nigeria Customs Service as a career officer, had refused to step down from the position. This refusal has hindered the proper functioning and administration of the Act, leaving numerous tasks unfinished and unattended”.
The Leadership Integrity Forum contended that the law necessitated the immediate transfer of the office to a career officer appointed in accordance with Section 14(1) of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023.
They argued that Colonel Hameed Ali should adhere to the law and step down since he was appointed under the previous administration.
The NGO emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service operates within the realm of the rule of law and not force, which was the driving force behind the enactment of the new Act.
They called for the Comptroller-General to be appropriately advised and for a smooth transition of administrative responsibilities in line with the reformed Customs Service. This, they believe, will facilitate the implementation of new policies aimed at promoting economic trade.
The Forum further highlights the critical issue of the “Sit Tight Syndrome” within the Nigeria Customs Service. As the government prioritizes economic recovery and revenue enhancement, addressing this syndrome becomes imperative to ensure the effective implementation of the new Act. Nigerians are eagerly awaiting action from the government to rectify this anomaly and pave the way for a new era in customs administration.