A group, Socio Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission & Other related Offenses (ICPC) and the Head of Service to immediately investigate alleged retirement fraud currently ongoing in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Its Executive Director, Tijani Abdulkareem in a statement issued Monday also demanded an investigation into the action of the former Assistant Comptroller General in charge of the headquarters allegedly backdating and signing auction documents.
The group stressed that the call became imperative following the alleged failure of some very senior customs officials to vacate their offices after their retirement and stoppage of their salaries.
It said the development was not only a dent on the government of President Bola Tinubu, but an eye sore on the fight against corruption.
It noted: “Those officers are well known to the service and continue to report to their former offices.Those found guilty of illegal activities must be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence.
“The perpetuation of illegalities in government operations is a reprehensible affront to the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“It is imperative that governments take decisive action to eradicate illegalities within its ranks. This requires a commitment to transparency, with robust mechanisms for accountability and oversight.”
The group maintained that actions such as extending retirement period beyond the legislated time frame for public service as clearly stated in the Public Service Rules can only amount to administrative impunity leading to blocking career progression in Customs.
The group added that by addressing this blocked career progression, NCS would foster a positive work environment, boost employee engagement, and drive business success.
It said: “We therefore call on the various state actors — Independent Corrupt Practices Commission & Other related Offenses, Head of Service, OSFG, etc) involve in regulating the actions of public officers to intervene and investigate the alleged action of the former assistant comptroller general in charge of the headquarters who is alleged to still backdating and signing auction documents and ensure that the integrity of the Nigeria Custom is protected while building trust in the current administration’s mantra for a productive, discipline and accountable public service in Nigeria.”