The League of Maritime Editors has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to urgently amend the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023 to include provisions for autonomy and statutory tenure for the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and other top management officials.
In a press statement signed by its President, Mrs. Remi Itie, and Public Relations Officer, Francis Ugwoke, the group noted that although the repeal of the long-standing Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and its replacement with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 ushered in modernization and significant reforms, it failed to address the long-standing demand for structural autonomy and tenure security within the Service.
The editors lamented that the current structure still subjects high-ranking Customs officials to general civil service rules, requiring retirement at 60 years of age or 35 years of service, irrespective of the time spent in office. This, they argued, disrupts long-term planning and weakens leadership continuity, particularly when appointees are forced out shortly after assuming office.
“This is an aberration that must be corrected,” the League stated, calling on lawmakers to seize the opportunity of the ongoing review process by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise to insert a tenure clause.
The League expressed support for the recent remarks by Hon. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, during his visit to Lagos ports, where he hinted at plans to amend the Act and introduce a four-year tenure for the CGC.
While a legal adviser to the Committee reportedly argued that civil service rules override any tenure provision, the League countered this position, citing several government agencies—such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)—where heads are appointed with specific tenures.
“We therefore urge the Federal Government to amend the Customs Act to provide for a four- or five-year single tenure for the CGC and other top officials,” the statement read. “This will enable any serving CGC to formulate, execute, and monitor key reforms and development programmes, and also groom competent successors for sustainable management.”
The League concluded by emphasizing the need for strategic leadership continuity in the Customs Service, which plays a critical role in trade facilitation, national revenue generation, and economic security.