NAGAFF Writes President TINUBU on Tenure Extension for Senior Customs Officers Due for Retirement
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, has expressed concern over imminent mass retirement of seasoned officers within the management cadre of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In a letter to President BOLA AHMED TINUBU, the leadership of NAGAFF said it was worried about all these Customs officers leaving at once, which it blamed on lapses in the employment responsibilities of the Nigerian state.
According to the letter jointly signed by NAGAFF founder, BONIFACE ANIEBONAM, and the Secretary General, GODFREY CHIEMEKA NWOSU, underscored the role of the Nigerian Customs as a strategic organisation, directly responsible for the implementation of fiscal policies on trade matters.
NAGAFF cautioned President TINUBU about the impending consequences of allowing all the senior Customs officers due for retirement to go at once, saying it would affect the hope for Nigeria's redemption.
“Mr President, we are speaking to you from the heartbeat of Nigeria's economy. As we speak now, Nigeria is virtually a dumping ground for fake and adulterated products as a result of inherent lapses in the implementation of the single window platform.
“As we speak, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, NESREA etc have been denied of their statutory responsibilities, today Nigeria is a dumping ground for fake products from Asian countries.
The group called on the President to extend the tenure of the officers due for retirement, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General ADENIYI, is battling with the situation, with long-established relationships with freight forwarding practitioners.
It advised that the one-year extension period should be used for the training and preparation of upcoming young officers who will be taking over the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that they are properly equipped to face the challenges of international trade in Nigeria.
“We have noted the effort of the Comptroller General of Customs and his management team, who are currently placing these young officers in strategic positions in the administration and management of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“This underscores our worries, and to that extent, a one-year extension shall be most appropriate to stabilise these young officers for the challenges ahead.
“The good news is that these young officers are willing and prepared to take the challenges at the appropriate time.
“All of us in the NAGAFF family are most grateful to you for your courage to disengage and dismantle the petroleum subsidy; don't mind what some cartels are saying.
“We know that when you pursue corruption, the return is that corruption shall pursue you. Remain strong at heart in the interest of Nigerians.
“What is certain is that NAGAFF is the umbrella body of all freight forwarding practitioners in Nigeria. NAGAFF is equally the founder and owner of New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP.
“Our large followership nationwide and members are with you in your efforts to revive Nigeria of our dreams” the statement concluded.