Moves by some top officers in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to extend their stay in office have created tension in the Service.

The affected officers, including some Deputy Comptrollers-General and Assistant Comptrollers-General, are due for retirement next month.

Investigation showed that the officers, who have spent statutory 35 years in service, want additional one year in office.

There were conflicting figures on those lobbying to overstay their years of service.

Some claimed that they were four officers, but sources said they were about 15.

A document, obtained by The Nation, contained the list of the concerned senior officers.

It was learnt that the officers refused to proceed on pre-retirement leave because of alleged plot to remain in office after their exit date.

A source said: “Some members of the NCS Management Team who are due for retirement by December 2022 have perfected illegal plans to extend their stay for an additional year even after enjoying their three-month pre-retirement leave in the Service without recourse to the NCS Board.

“The plan is spearheaded by one of the DCGs, who is known for impunity and recklessness against due process as well as frustrating trade.

“It is suspected that the plan does not have the approval of the NCS Board. This is also against Civil Service provisions.

“It is sad that such plans would even be considered. There are over 17 ACGs who are more than qualified to step into the shoes of these DCGs upon retirement.

“This development has dampened the moral of Officers of the service as it would certainly lead to stagnation in the Service.”

An insider gave insights into the tension in the service, especially circumventing of the relevant laws.

“What has created anxiety was the refusal of some DCGs to proceed on leave preparatory to their exit from service. It is mandatory for them to undergo a three-month leave leading to their exit date.

“The pattern these days is to tag some officers as ‘indispensable’ and give them a waiver from complying with Service rules. The excuse often is that they are still needed in the system.

“Why will a public servant want to stay beyond 35 years in service? What other motive can be responsible for this than selfish reasons? President Muhammadu Buhari should look into this development.”

The NCS National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Timi Bomodi, whom The Nation called on phone to confirm if the 15 officers have applied for the extension of service, simply said “there is nothing like that.” (The Nation)

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