The Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre, SERDEC, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission, ICPC, and Office of the Head of Service, HoS, of the federation to launch a full scale investigation into alleged retirement fraud currently rocking the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.
The alleged sit-tight syndrome in the NCS was said to have involved some senior officers including Deputy Comptroller Generals, DCGs, Assistant Comptroller Generals, ACGs, and Comptrollers who refused to vacate their officers after the mandatory retirement age and have completed their terminal leaves.
The retirement fraud took a different dimension on Monday as the SERDEC, an NGO, called for a probe.
In a statement today, Mr. Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director of the group, also demanded an investigation into the action of a former ACG in charge allegedly backdating and signing auction documents.
The group stressed that the call became imperative following the alleged failure of some very senior customs officials to vacate their offices after their retirement and stoppage of their salaries.
It said the development was not only a dent on the government of President Bola Tinubu but an eye sore on the fight against corruption.
The statement read in part: “Those officers are well known to the Service and continue to report to their former offices. Those found guilty of illegal activities must be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence.
“The perpetuation of illegalities in government operations is a reprehensible affront to the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“It is imperative that governments take decisive action to eradicate illegalities within its ranks. This requires a commitment to transparency, with robust mechanisms for accountability and oversight.”
The group maintained that actions such as extending retirement period beyond the legislated time frame for public service as clearly stated in the Public Service Rules can only amount to administrative impunity leading to blocking career progression in Customs.
The group added that by addressing this sit tight syndrome, the NCS would foster a positive work environment, boost employee engagement, and drive business success.
It said: “We therefore call on the various state actors — Independent Corrupt Practices Commission & Other related Offenses Commission, Head of Service of the Federation, OSFG, etc., involve in regulating the actions of public officers to intervene and investigate the alleged action of the former assistant comptroller general in charge of the headquarters who is alleged to be still backdating and signing auction documents and ensure that the integrity of the Nigeria Customs is protected while building trust in the current administration’s mantra for a productive, discipline and accountable public service in Nigeria.”