Corrupt officers will get 10-year jail sentence, says Ali
One day after Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), promised to improve the welfare of his officers, the customs boss has warned his men to shun corruption or risk 10-year jail term.
Ali gave the warning in Sokoto when he addressed customs officers of Sokoto/Zamfara/ Kebbi Area command.
“The minimum jail term for corrupt officers is five years, but I will make sure that any officer found to be corrupt gets the maximum jail term of 10 years,” he said.
“This is to serve as a deterrent to any officer who finds himself in the customs to make money and not to earn money.
“I am not saying that there are no good, incorruptible officers in the service, but there are few bad eggs who are giving the service a bad name.
“Our work ethics must change to be in tune with the change mantra as championed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“You should all do this to minimize the chances of getting into trouble, except those who are criminally minded.”
He also told them to strive to block all areas of revenue leakages, maintaining that he had been mandated to reform the service, raise revenue, and improve the welfare of personnel.
There is a need for a dedicated service for tackling acts that undermine the survival and viability of Nigeria. Customs officers that divert revenue meant for the nation are like cholesterol that blocks blood vessels and threaten the life of a person. Such officers must be excised as a matter of urgency, in order to preserve the life and health of the nations.