Reps Take Action: Customs Boss Summoned Over Senior Officers’ Alleged Refusal To Retire

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it next Tuesday over allegations that some senior officers have refused to retire despite reaching their mandatory retirement age.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was disclosed in a statement by Chooks Oko, the Media Head of the Public Petitions Committee, confirming that Adeniyi is expected to provide clarity on the issue to the lawmakers.

The petition, submitted by the Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, claims that several Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers have overstayed their tenure in violation of retirement regulations. The officers named in the petition include Assistant Comptrollers Imam, Umar, and Egwu, alongside Comptrollers Awe, Fatia, and Faith.

While issuing the summons, the Committee underscored the importance of transparency from the Comptroller General on the matter.

“Nigerians deserve clarity on this situation, and only the Comptroller General can provide the necessary explanation. As elected representatives, it is our duty to ensure government institutions operate effectively and fairly,” stated Mike Etaba, Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee.

Etaba further emphasized the issue’s relevance, noting, “In a time when many of our youths are struggling to find employment, it is unacceptable for individuals due for retirement to cling to their positions.”

He reassured the public that the Committee’s approach will be fair and unbiased.
“This does not mean we are prejudging the case. We evaluate every matter based on its merits, ensuring that justice is served impartially,” he added.

NIMC DG Risks Arrest Over Breach of Software Agreement

In a related development, the Committee has threatened to issue an arrest warrant for the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, if she fails to appear personally before the Committee to address allegations of violating a software development contract with Truid Limited.

The petition claims that Truid Limited developed and implemented a tokenization system for NIMC under a licensing agreement. According to the company’s legal representative, E. R. Opara, the agreement allowed Truid Limited to recover its investment through service provider patronage, with profits shared based on a predetermined ratio over an initial ten-year term starting in 2021.