Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi has unveiled new record welfare packages for retirees of the Nigeria Customs Service with a commitment to prioritise their healthcare needs and ensure the safety of management officers during travels in Nigeria’s prevailing security challenges.
At a maiden reunion of the retired management staff of the NCS, the Comptroller General said the provisions in the Customs’ gazette are currently under thorough review and exploration to enhance the welfare framework for retired officers. He said the human resource department is actively engaged in transitioning the verification exercise of retired officers from a physical to a digital format, streamlining and expediting the process.
The Customs CG acknowledged that the welfare and severance packages for retired officers have regrettably fallen short of the lofty standards their efforts sought to establish, a problem he pledged to comprehensively address in his ongoing commitment to service improvement.
He told the retired management staff on Saturday in Abuja that discussions have been initiated with the authorities to sponsor a bill aimed at establishing a separate entity for the management of the NCS pension fund administration, mirroring successful models in other sectors, such as the military. He said the service is exploring options to leverage the expertise of experienced retired officers by engaging them as consultants.
“In response to the prevailing security challenges in the country, the NCS is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of Management officers during travels. This includes comprehensive security protocols to guarantee their well-being in transit, reflecting the Service’s commitment to the holistic welfare and security of its retired officers.
“Your health is not only a personal priority but a shared responsibility. We commit to ensuring that healthcare remains a central focus, providing you with the care and support you deserve,” Mr Adeniyi said.
The retirees expressed gladness over the new promises and promised to work to uphold the standard of the organisation.
The reunion was to re-establish and strengthen the roots that connect the past, present, and future of the Nigeria Customs Service. The event brought together different generations of management staff for the service.
The incumbent Controller hopes to apply their knowledge to Customs-specific cases, particularly in areas like policy formulation, trade facilitation, and procedural enhancements to pave the way for a more agile, informed, and forward-thinking customs operation.
“This exchange of insights can propel the NCS toward greater efficiency, enhanced regulatory compliance, and ultimately, contribute to the broader economic development goals of the nation,” he remarked at the event on Saturday.
Adeniyi said the NCS will benefit from creating tailored programmes within the organisation to engage retired officers with a focus on facilitating seamless collaboration.
He said such gaps as a lack of robust communication mechanisms between serving and retired management staff may have contributed to the underutilization of their expertise. “Establishing dedicated platforms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration is crucial,” he states, adding “If there is ambiguity regarding their contributions, it might result in a lack of engagement. Establishing well-defined roles will help maximise their expertise.”
He challenged the retired officers to not only benefit from the new platform but to see it as an opportunity to give back to the organisation that has been a significant part of their lives for over three decades. “Your journey in the NCS is a shared experience that uniquely qualifies you to contribute to its growth and development. Your support is crucial in managing the challenges the Service faces today, as you understand the nuances and intricacies of the journey, we all undertook.”
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