Dismissed Customs officers
The dismissal of four senior
Customs officials and compulsory retirement of 18 others early this month are
clear pointers that, perhaps, the authorities are serious in their bid to reform
the Nigeria Customs Service.
The officers, including 17 others who were demoted by one
rank, are being punished for alleged involvement in the illegal release of 270
bales of textiles and other prohibited items confiscated last May and kept at
the National Aviation handling Company (NAHCO) shed. After thorough
investigations which involved interrogation of the affected officers, the panel
set up by Customs authorities made recommendations to the board.
The contentiously released items were part of the 395 bales
of various trade goods irregularly manifested as "consolidated cargo" aboard an
international flight.
To underscore the new wave of change, the board headed by
Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, gave necessary approvals for
disciplinary action to be taken against those involved. By that firm action, the
authorities took a bold step to tell the officers and men of the Customs service
that it can no longer be business as usual.
The coming of a new helmsman, Mr. Jacob Gyang Buba in March
as Comptroller - General appears also to have heralded a new direction for the
service. Buba’s appointment came with a major shake up, part of which was the
retirement of 91 top officials, among them 75 Comptrollers, five Deputy
Comptrollers and 11 Assistant Comptrollers. Ever since, government has paid
close attention to the service, a disposition which is accentuated by the
establishment of a presidential committee on Customs reforms headed by Mrs.
Nenadi Usman, Minister of State for Finance.
It is apparent that there is a renewed effort to reform the
service and rid it of corrupt practices which appeared to be so endemic that it
had permeated the rank and file. The disciplinary action taken against those
erring officers is a step in the right direction. If contraband items continue
to be aided into the market, as is the case in this instance, the noble ideals
and calculations that informed the ban in the first place will be rendered
useless.
Prohibition of the entry of certain items into the local
market is meant to protect and strengthen local industries. The idea here is not
only to provide more jobs in the economy, but to secure the economy in all
essential perspectives. The Nigeria Customs has played very significant
statutory role in policing the land and air borders in order to prevent the
influx of banned items even as it ensures that appropriate duties are paid for
legally imported goods. This has proved a veritable source of revenue for the
government.
Unfortunately over years, the service appears to be plagued
with endemic corruption resulting in such illegal activities as the one in
focus. The resolve of the government to put that ugly past behind through
appropriate checks and sanctions is most desirable and timely. There are basic
challenges confronting the Customs men which must be addressed effectively
though, for optimum dedication to be expected of them. These may stretch from
welfare to working facilities. We recommend that the authorities attend to these
needs to enhance morality and efficiency in the service. It is a fact though,
that government has always amply rewarded Customs service for meeting its annual
set targets. The service cannot therefore be said to have been totally
neglected.
As we commend the action of Customs authorities in
sanctioning its men found wanting with regard to the illegal release of
confiscated goods, it is pertinent to remember that the goods in question were
released in connivance with staff of NAHCO. It is very important that matching
disciplinary action should be taken against everyone involved in the illegal
act. That way the message will be more emphatic that government’s declared fight
against indiscipline and corruption was not selective in design.
Customs authorities should also expedite action in the
investigation of other pending cases such as the disappearance of 77 containers
from the Kirikiri Command in March this year. The speedy conclusion of such
investigations followed with appropriate sanctions will certainly send a useful
message that indeed, Nigeria Customs Service has turned a new leaf.
Minister of Finance, the new Comptroller-General of Customs
and their teams deserve commendation for the new spirit and commitment to
cleanse the Customs Service. Their disposition will, for sure, stem the ugly
tide of the past. But this is just the beginning. The greater task is still
ahead. It is encouraging, however, that a step has been taken in the right
direction.
