Worried by the widespread multi-billion naira corruption allegations against the top hierarchy of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the body of students in Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Tuesday demanded a probe of all the affected officers overtly and covertly involved in the allegations.

The student body gave the Nigerian Customs Service and the EFCC a deadline of 7 days to respond to its demands, saying failure to take concrete action to address this corruption scandal and hold those responsible accountable will result in blockade and shutdown of Customs Headquarters and also all the Zonal Offices.

NANS Senate President, Senator Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, in a reaction to the development, said Nigerian students are deeply concerned and outraged

The revelation involving several senior officers of the Nigerian Customs Service.

Senator Akinteye lamented that the findings made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were mind-boggling and painted a widespread corruption and abuse of power within the customs system.

He said, “As Nigerian students, we are deeply concerned and outraged by the recent revelations of a multi-billion naira corruption scandal involving senior officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

“It is unacceptable that at least 40 NCS personnel, including high-ranking officials, have been implicated in this scandal. Despite the gravity of the allegations and the substantial evidence gathered by the EFCC, these officials have not faced prosecution or any meaningful consequences for their actions.

“Instead, they have been allowed to return to their duty posts as if nothing happened, sending a message that corruption will be tolerated and impunity reigns supreme.

“As students who are deeply interested in the future of our country, we refuse to stand idly by while corrupt practices undermine the integrity of our institutions and erode public trust.

“We demand accountability and transparency from the Nigerian Customs Service and the EFCC in addressing this corruption scandal.”

Wondering why the NCS has jettisoned accountability despite overwhelming evidence against these officials, NANS submits that the Director-General of Customs be held accountable for the actions of his subordinates and take decisive action to root out corruption from within the organization.

“The allegations call for concern and are against the Renewed Hope agenda of the President of Nigeria. If the President can sacrifice his minister, we see no reason why those who committed these allegations and fraud are still in the service.

7-Day Ultimatum

“Therefore, we are giving the Nigerian Customs Service and the EFCC a deadline of 7 days to respond to our demands.

“Failure to take concrete action to address this corruption scandal…. We will not rest until justice is served and those who have betrayed the trust of the Nigerian people are held to account.

“Nigerian students demand justice, transparency, and accountability. We will not allow this corruption scandal to be swept under the carpet. The time for action is now.”

EFCCNANS Senate President National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Senator Akinteye Babatunde Afeez. (Daily Independent)