NAGAFF to Tinubu: Extend customs officers’ retirement by One year to avert leadership gap
Maureen Aguta
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend the retirement of seasoned management officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), scheduled to leave service by December 2026, by one year to prevent a potential leadership gap.
The association said the extension would allow experienced officers to mentor and prepare younger personnel to take over strategic positions and effectively manage the challenges of international trade and customs administration.
The appeal was contained in an open letter to the President titled “The Matter of Mass Due Retirement of Seasoned Management Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).”
The letter, signed by NAGAFF Secretary-General, Mr Godfrey Nwosu, in Lagos on Wednesday, warned that the simultaneous retirement of the officers could undermine the effective administration of the Customs Service at a critical period for Nigeria’s economy.
NAGAFF said its position was informed by its strategic role in maritime trade and transportation, stressing that the Customs Service remained central to the implementation of the Federal Government’s fiscal and trade policies.
“We are worried that the officers should not be let go in one swoop because Customs is a very strategic organisation in Nigeria, dealing directly in the implementation of fiscal policies of Nigeria trade matters,” the association stated.
It warned that allowing the experienced officers to retire simultaneously could have consequences for the government’s economic recovery agenda.
“The impending consequences of allowing these officers to go in a swoop shall definitely affect your hope for Nigeria’s redemption,” it added.
The freight forwarding body acknowledged the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team to position younger officers in strategic roles within the service.
However, it argued that a one-year extension would provide an opportunity for the younger officers to acquire the necessary experience and prepare adequately for the responsibilities ahead.
NAGAFF expressed confidence in the capacity of the younger personnel, noting that they were willing and prepared to assume greater responsibilities when the time came.
According to the association, the proposed extension would help ensure a smoother leadership transition without disrupting the operations of the Customs Service.
The letter also raised concerns about the influx of fake and adulterated products into Nigeria, blaming existing gaps in the implementation of the National Single Window platform for contributing to the problem.
“As we speak now, Nigeria is virtually a dumping ground for fake and adulterated products as a result of inherent lapses in the implementation of the single window platform,” NAGAFF said.
It further alleged that agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), had been hindered from effectively discharging their statutory responsibilities.
The association maintained that the Customs Service was already grappling with these challenges and relied on long-established working relationships with freight forwarding practitioners to facilitate trade and enforce relevant regulations.
Against this backdrop, NAGAFF said retaining experienced officers temporarily would help strengthen institutional capacity while younger personnel gained the experience required to manage the service.
The association also commended Tinubu for his decision to remove the petroleum subsidy, describing it as a courageous step towards addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
It urged the President to remain resolute in his efforts to tackle corruption and revive the economy.
“We know that when you pursue corruption, the return is that corruption shall pursue you. Remain strong at heart in the interest of Nigerians,” the letter stated.
NAGAFF described itself as the umbrella body for freight forwarding practitioners in Nigeria, adding that its nationwide membership supported the President’s efforts to rebuild the economy.
The open letter was copied to the founder of NAGAFF, Dr Boniface Aniebonam; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; the President of the Senate; and the Comptroller-General of Customs.