Group Demands Enforcement Of Retirement Laws In Customs

The Societal Safety Network (SSN) has called for urgent action from the Nigerian government to enforce mandatory retirement laws within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The group made the call during a press conference titled “Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Economy, National Interest, and Moral Responsibility,” in Abuja yesterday.

It raised concerns about an allegedly growing leadership crisis within the NCS, specifically regarding senior officers who are due for retirement but refuse to vacate their positions.

Activist Asuku Sunday, director of public communications for the Societal Safety Network, also called on the Comptroller-General of Customs to make a public statement regarding the status of these officers.

He further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enforce compliance with retirement laws, strengthen leadership oversight, and promote younger officers to ensure the continuity of reforms.

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The group similarly, warned that this situation could lead to a brewing scandal that would damage the reputation of the NCS and the nation.

“This violation of the NCS Act 2023 and civil service rules has far-reaching implications, such as disrupting the organizational structure. Retired officers lingering in office prevent newly promoted officers from assuming their roles and block the chance of bringing in new officers through recruitment, which is particularly important as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.

“This act of seat-tight syndrome in the Nigeria Customs Service weakens meritocracy, denies opportunities for younger officers, undermines career progression, and damages organizational morale.

“We urge the Comptroller-General to make a public statement on the status of these officers, both in the press and through a report to the President and Commander-in-Chief, within seven working days of this publication. Failure to do so will compel us to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with the findings of our investigation, alongside mass action in the public interest regarding the activities of the service.

“We also urge His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure compliance with retirement laws, direct all officers due for retirement to proceed immediately in accordance with civil service rules, strengthen leadership oversight, and avoid the pitfalls of previous administrations by ensuring accountability at all levels of the NCS.”