Reps seek Customs’ support on Act amendment
The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has sought the support of customs officers for the ongoing amendment of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023.
Chairman of the Committee Leke Abejide confirmed this on Thursday during an oversight visit to the Murtala Muhammed Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He clarified that the media misquoted the committee, claiming they proposed a four-year tenure for the Comptroller-General of Customs. He said that was untrue.
Abejide explained that during the 9th Assembly, they proposed that the President appoint a career officer, not below Assistant Comptroller-General, for four years.
He said customs officials modified the proposal, stating it contradicted civil service rules, which led to its exclusion from the final version.
He added that the Police Service retained their amendment, which the President eventually signed into law without issue.
Abejide confirmed that the committee would revisit and reintroduce the provision into the current amendment of the act.
He noted that appointing an Assistant Comptroller as Comptroller-General could force senior officers to retire, creating unnecessary exits from the service.
He stressed the need for amendment, saying an officer appointed today but retiring tomorrow would still serve a full four-year term
