The Nigeria Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Retired Colonel Hameed Ali, has warned that he would discipline, dismiss or jail any officer found guilty of corrupt practices.
Ali who gave the warning while addressing officers and men of the NCS in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, said that there is the need for them to be of good conduct and show professionalism while carrying out their duties.
The Customs boss said that he would have zero tolerance for corruption, hence the need for officers and men of the service to shun all forms of corruption.
“I want to make it clear to all of you that I have zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption.
“I will dismiss and jail any officer found guilty of such. Indiscipline will no longer have a place in the NCS.
“We must have officers and men with impeccable character to promote the image of the service.
“Anyone caught falsifying any documents or compromising with fake imported goods will also be dismissed and jailed.
“The NCS has resolved that anyone caught in an unprofessional conduct, no matter the circumstances, will be dismissed and jailed for the offence.”
According to Ali, dismissal and jailing of erring officers will serve as a deterrent to others and result in the reformation of the service.
“I am determined to undertake reforms and reorganize the service so we can generate more revenues into the Federal Government’s coffers.
“We have been seen as the most undisciplined para-military organisation because we have refused to obey the laws that govern us.
“Para-military is all about discipline and we must operate on that basis.
“We must also work in line with the law establishing the service.”
Ali assured officers and men that just as the NCS would discipline erring officers, it would also reward those seen to be hard working.
On welfare for officers and men of the NCS, the comptroller-general assured them that arrangements were ongoing for the provision of suitable accommodation for them.
He said: “We are aware of the accommodation challenges you are facing in your command.
“We will try our best to provide better accommodations for you all.” [myad]
