Tinubu Approves Service Extension for Retired Customs Officials, Despite Call to Stop Them From Occupying Office

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 12-month extension of service for Comptroller MT Awe and other top officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), despite concerns over brewing scandal within the agency regarding delayed retirements and lobbying for service extensions.

The approval, conveyed through a letter dated December 12, 2024, was issued by the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) and signed by its Secretary, B. Imam.

This development comes at a time when civil society groups, like the Societal Safety Network (SSN), had urged the President to address allegations of irregularities within the NCS.

The SSN, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Communication, Asuku Sunday, raised concerns over senior officers who refuse to vacate office after reaching their retirement date.

The group highlighted that this practice disrupts the organisational structure of the Customs Service by preventing newly promoted officers from assuming their rightful roles.

It is alarming to note that many senior officers due for retirement, including ACG B. Imam, ACG I.G. Umar, ACG I.Q. Ogbudu, Compt. M.T. Awe, and Compt. K.R. Kolade, have refused to proceed on mandatory retirement leave,” the SSN’s statement read.

The SSN cited violations of the NCS Act 2023 and civil service rules, warning that failure to enforce transparency could force them to petition anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC.

The controversy comes in light of earlier reports which revealed that some retired high-ranking officers—ranging from Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) to Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs) and Comptrollers—allegedly continue reporting to work despite the expiration of their service years.

Reports indicated that some officers were actively lobbying for service extensions, raising questions about favoritism and lack of accountability within the agency.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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