We will ensure only career officers are appointed Customs CG, say Reps… 

The House of Representatives Community on Customs and Excise said on Wednesday, December 6, that it would ensure that only career Customs officers would be appointed to the position of Comptroller General of Customs by the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA).

The chairman of the committee, Hon. Joseph Abejide, who disclosed this while speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee, also said that the House plans to conduct periodic reviews of Customs and excise laws to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in the face of changing economic and technological landscapes.

He described the passage and signing of the Customs and Excise Management Act as a major milestone in the efforts to streamline customs procedures, enhance trade facilitation, improve revenue generation, and promote economic growth.

The new CEMA Act repealed the 63-year-old Customs law which provides among others for the appointment of the Comptroller General of Customs from among serving officers of the service not below the rank of Assistant Comptroller General.

He said the 10th Assembly has the rigorous task of ensuring that the new Act is implemented effectively and that its full benefits are realized.

He said the House committee will closely monitor the NCS’s performance and provide the necessary support to ensure that it operates by the highest international standards.

According to him, the Customs and Excise plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), a critical institution that safeguards our nation’s borders and generates substantial revenue for our economy.