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Several senior officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) who have reached the end of their service tenure are reportedly lobbying for an extension, with some even refusing to proceed on retirement.
Sources have informed SaharaReporters that the officers involved include top-ranking personnel such as Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs), Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs), Comptrollers, and Deputy Comptrollers.
These individuals, according to insiders, are pushing for an extension to their service years, despite having reached the mandatory retirement age.
Sources revealed that many of these officers have not taken their retirement leave and some continue to report for duty well after their retirement dates have passed. They claim they are waiting for approval from Aso Rock Villa to extend their tenures.
This situation has raised concerns within the NCS, as it is seen as both unprecedented and problematic for the smooth functioning of the public service.
Insiders have warned that if allowed to persist, it could cause confusion and disrupt the operations of the service.
“Officers who are billed to retire have failed to go on retirement leave, while others after spending the retirement leave period were still coming to the office until their service expired. Now, they are still coming to the office with the excuse that, they are waiting for extension from the Villa,” one of the sources in the NCS revealed.
Such behavior has been described as problematic, with sources pointing out that if these officers remain in their positions, it could lead to confusion in the management of the service.
“The implication of Nigeria Customs officials failing to vacate their offices after retirement can be severe. For one, it creates confusion and disrupts the normal functioning of the organisation.
“Newly promoted officers are unable to take over their new roles, and the retired officers, although not in uniform, still report to work, creating an awkward situation.
“This situation also raises questions about the leadership and management of the Nigeria Customs Service. The Comptroller-General of Customs lacks the authority to retire or promote certain level of officers without the approval of the board, which is currently non-existent,” another source pointed out.
Some critics suggest that the refusal to retire may be driven by the desire to retain influence and control.
“There have been allegations that some retired officers have amassed significant wealth and influence, which they continue to wield even after retirement.
“The failure of retired Nigeria Customs officials to vacate their offices has significant implications for the organisation, its leadership, and the country as a whole,” said another insider.
Top officers who have reportedly refused to vacate their positions according to sources are: “ACG B IMAM, ACG IG UMAR, ACG IQ OGBUDU, COMPT MT AWE, COMPT KR KOLADE.”
Personnel within the NCS have called on President Bola Tinubu to avoid granting extensions to these retired officers, arguing that it undermines meritocracy and denies younger officers the opportunity to progress in their careers.
“Extending the tenure of retired customs officers can create a system where meritocracy is undermined, and younger officers are denied opportunities for growth and advancement.
“Allowing retired officers to remain in their positions can block the career progression of younger, more energetic, and potentially more innovative officers. It can perpetuate corruption, as those who have been in the system for a long time may have established networks and relationships that can be used for personal gain.
“Allowing retired officers to continue in service may not bring fresh perspectives or new ideas to the table, which can hinder the growth and development of the customs service,” a source asserted.
Additionally, there are legal and administrative concerns surrounding the potential extension of service. “Above all, extending the tenure of retired customs officers may contravene the laws governing retirement in the civil service, which can create legal and administrative challenge,” the sources opined.
