News Obiaks News

Mixed reactions greeted the decision of the former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Services, which had been approved by the President Federal Republic of Nigeria. Some are of the opinion that the former Comptroller-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, retired prematurely for fear of the anti-corruption crusade that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would take to the doorsteps of the Nigerian Customs Services.

The former comptroller general had tendered his resignation and same was signed by the president on Monday, August 17.  The president approved the retirement and also offered profuse thanks to the customs’ chief for his good works; he also wished him success in his future endeavors.

The customs sector had been accused of wrong doings in the dispensation of their duties to the nation and the president had made known his plans to probe some of the key officials of the Nigerian Customs Services. Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko is billed to retire in two years from now after the expiration of his tenure as Custom’s boss. He had occupied this office for 6 years now. It was therefore a surprise when he tendered his resignation letter two good years before his billed retirement.

However, the former Customs’ boss is lifting some of the haze of confusion that shrouded his resignation, especially regarding the real reasons behind his decision. He had shed light on exactly why he decided to retire prematurely. He made his true reasons known to newsmen after his meeting at Aso Rock with President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his words, “The time I'm leaving office is the time I feel those young ones that have developed the software can come up and manage the software.

“So, that is basically the reason and I'm sending out this signal to all those who had stayed put.

“Don’t stay until you are asked to go. When you feel you have done so much and you believe in the system you have built, then why do you stay? Why don’t you be an umpire? Leave, be by the side and watch and advice”

It is a well known fact that the Nigerian Customs Services contribute substantively to the Nigerian economy and it is one of the machineries of internally generated revenues for the government.  However, many of the revenues generated had ended up in wrong hands and personal pockets of some gullible customs officials. The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria is expected to put an end to the irregularities through his planned probe of the Nigerian Customs Services.

The former Customs boss took time to recount his achievements as the Comptroller-General to newsmen. He said the revenue generated by the country through the Nigerian Customs’ experienced appreciation by 20% during his 6 years tenure.

He told newsmen that his claims can be confirmed from the officers of the Nigerian Customs, who are still in the employment of the NCS. He also said his administration in the Nigerian Customs services had successfully automated all the services of the Nigerian Customs Services and had improved on service delivery.

By Anthony Olawale Ojo