Customs Prioritises Officers’ Welfare, Enforces Strict Discipline Against Corruption – Spokesperson 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption through improved welfare for officers and strict disciplinary measures against personnel found guilty of misconduct.

Speaking on the Service’s anti-corruption efforts, the NCS spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada explained that the strategy is built on two key approaches: enhancing officers’ welfare to discourage corrupt practices and enforcing sanctions against those who violate the Service’s code of conduct.

According to him, the Comptroller-General of Customs has prioritised the welfare of both serving and retired officers through improved remuneration, payment of allowances, better housing, construction of barracks, provision of operational vehicles, and enhanced surveillance packages.

He noted that although more still needs to be done, the leadership of the Service remains committed to ensuring officers are adequately motivated to carry out their duties professionally.

Maiwada also disclosed that following the Federal Government’s approval of a ₦35,000 pension increase for retirees, the Comptroller-General has approved its implementation for Customs pensioners, with disbursement expected to commence soon.

On disciplinary measures, he stressed that the Service does not condone misconduct, citing the recent case of an officer captured in a viral video over alleged bribery.

“The officer was immediately withdrawn from duty, subjected to investigation, and taken before the appropriate disciplinary committee,” he said.

He explained that officers found culpable are accorded fair hearing before appropriate sanctions are imposed. Junior officers may face dismissal at the management level, while cases involving senior officers are referred to the Nigeria Customs Service Board for final determination.

The NCS spokesperson maintained that the Service has established disciplinary mechanisms to ensure accountability, adding that any officer found engaging in corrupt practices would face appropriate sanctions in line with the Service’s regulations.