Top officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) who have reached the mandatory retirement age are reportedly refusing to step down, opting instead to lobby for service extensions. Disgruntled personnel within the agency disclosed this development to Chronicles Reporters.
The officers in question include high-ranking officials such as Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs), Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs), Comptrollers, and Deputy Comptrollers. According to sources, these individuals have not proceeded on their mandatory retirement leave and continue to report to their offices despite the expiration of their service years. They claim they are awaiting extensions approved by the Aso Rock Villa.
This situation has raised serious concerns among staff members, with many describing it as unprecedented and harmful to the public service sector. Critics argue that such actions could cause operational disruptions and undermine the agency’s integrity.
An Unhealthy Precedent
A source within the NCS expressed dismay at the ongoing situation. “Officers due for retirement have ignored the rules. Some have even completed their retirement leave but still come to the office, claiming they are awaiting approval for extensions from the Villa,” the source revealed.
The source further warned of the broader implications for the organization. “This trend is troubling. It creates confusion and disrupts the agency’s workflow. Newly promoted officers cannot assume their roles, while retired officers, though no longer in uniform, continue to exert influence within the organization.”
Leadership and Corruption Concerns
Observers have raised questions about the leadership and management of the NCS. The Comptroller-General of Customs is reportedly unable to retire or promote certain officers without board approval, a process currently hampered by the absence of a functioning board.
Another insider blamed corruption for the reluctance of some officers to retire. “There are allegations that retired officers amass wealth and influence during their service years, which they continue to wield even after retirement,” the source claimed.
The list of officers allegedly refusing to vacate their posts includes ACG B. Imam, ACG I.G. Umar, ACG I.Q. Ogbudu, Compt. M.T. Awe, and Compt. K.R. Kolade. Their actions, according to critics, undermine meritocracy and block career advancement for younger officers.
Calls for Presidential Intervention
Personnel have called on President Bola Tinubu to address the situation decisively. They warned that extending the tenure of retired customs officers would perpetuate corruption, hinder career progression for younger officers, and stifle innovation.
“Allowing retired officers to stay in their positions denies opportunities for younger, more energetic, and potentially innovative officers. It also fosters corruption, as longstanding networks are often leveraged for personal gain,” a source explained.
Additionally, retaining retired officers could violate civil service retirement laws, leading to legal and administrative complications. “Fresh perspectives and new ideas are essential for the growth of the Customs Service, which cannot happen if these retired officers remain in power,” the source added.
No Official Response Yet
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, proved unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
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