Nigeria’s customs succession controversy deepens as Rep Abejide dismisses forced retirement claims

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Leke Joseph Abejide, has dismissed allegations that the purported appointment of Deputy Comptroller I.D. Olorunfemi as the next Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service would trigger the forced retirement of senior officers. 

In a statement on Sunday, the lawmaker insisted that all exits from the service are being carried out strictly in accordance with existing public service rules.

Abejide made the clarification while reacting to reports alleging that the succession process within the Nigeria Customs Service could lead to the premature retirement of several senior officers.

He described the report as misleading and allegedly fuelled by misinformation from a junior officer within the Customs Service, maintaining that no officer is being removed to pave the way for another and that all retirements currently taking place are statutory and lawful.

According to him, the Public Service Rules are clear on retirement conditions for public servants, stating that officers must leave service after attaining the age of 60 years or completing 35 years in service.

“The Civil Service Rules are very clear. Retirement after 35 years in service or at the age of 60 is not by compulsion; it is by law. Therefore, suggestions that any officer would be retired to create room for another appointment are false and misleading,” Abejide stated.

He further explained that the Nigeria Customs Service is currently dealing with the effects of a prolonged recruitment vacuum spanning about sixteen years, which created a generational imbalance in its workforce.

The lawmaker noted that the absence of recruitment and career progression during that period resulted in officers rising through the ranks almost simultaneously, leading to a concentration of personnel within the same seniority levels.

According to Abejide, officers within the 41000, 42000, and 43000 service number categories advanced at similar periods due to the stagnation, creating a crowded upper cadre and a comparatively thin lower cadre.

“There is a 16-year gap of non-recruitment and stagnant promotion. As a result, officers of 41000, 42000, and 43000 service numbers categories have risen through the ranks almost simultaneously and now occupy similar levels of seniority,” he said.

He added that the structure has left the service top-heavy, with many officers occupying similar ranks, while a large number are now reaching retirement age at the same time.

The lawmaker disclosed that more than 1,500 officers are expected to retire under the provisions of Public Service Rule 100238, stressing that the process is a natural and legally mandated one rather than a consequence of any leadership appointment.

Abejide also dismissed claims linking him personally to the incoming Customs chief, describing suggestions of family ties or political influence as false.

He said he has no personal relationship with the nominee and only got to know him recently, adding that he has no knowledge of his family background or any prior association.

He maintained that the succession process within the Nigeria Customs Service is aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in leadership while addressing long-standing structural challenges caused by years of recruitment gaps.

Abejide further stated that the appointment process following the six-month transitional tenure of the current Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is in line with established public service regulations.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed granted another six-month tenor extension for Adeniyi two days ago.

Nigeria’s customs succession controversy deepens as Rep Abejide dismisses forced retirement claims