Customs boots out 29 senior officers for alleged economic sabotage

Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday announced that it has sacked 29 senior officers for different alleged acts of gross misconduct.

According to the statement released by Custom and signed by its spokesman, Wale Adeniyi, the officers were among 44 senior officers who were punished for activities capable of compromising national economy and security.

Part of the statement read, “29 senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed for various acts of gross misconduct. The dismissed officers are among forty-four (44) Senior officers who were punished for actions capable of compromising national economy and security.

“10 other officers were retired from Service, while the appointment of one (1) was terminated. Four (4) officers were given written warnings to be of better conduct while another 4 officers who were investigated and tried for some offences were exonerated. Four (4) of the officers who got the hammer were of the rank of Deputy-Comptroller of Customs, while five (5) were Assistant-Comptroller. Others were seven (7) Chief Superintendents of Customs and four (4) Superintendents, among others.

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“Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd) had made it clear upon his assumption of duties that the service will not compromise on corruption and Indiscipline among the officers corps. In line with this, the structure and process for investigation of offences was strengthened to handle cases reported promptly and professionally.

“We will give all officers fair hearing in line with the principle of natural justice. We will however insist that sanctions be punitive, not only to match the offence committed, but to serve as deterrent to others.”

The service had also last week, dismissed 17 junior officers for different offenses, including alleged bribery, drug addiction, use of fake certificates and absence from duty.

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