May Sanction Officers, Clearing Agents Involved in Humiliation
- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has broken silence over viral video showing an allegedly retired officer booed by crowd suspected to be clearing agents and some officials.
In response to the video, the service’s spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, had in a statement issued on Monday, frowned against the incident which occured at Car Park C Terminal under the Tincan Island Port Area Command.
According to the statement, the service confirmed seeing two separate videos with one showing the suspected clearing agents embarrassing the officer while another showed the agent warmly receiving the officer.
However, the NCS disclosed that Investigation is ongoing over both incidents while vowing to bring those found culpable of the criminal act to justice for the violation of NCS regulations.
The statement read in part; “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is aware of two separate videos circulating on social media involving one of its officers and clearing agents at Car Park C Terminal under the Tincan Island Port Area Command.
“The first video captures an incident in which the officer was subjected to what seems like an embarrassment and hostility. In contrast, the second shows a contrasting scenario in which agents warmly received the same officer.
“It is pertinent to note that the NCS takes these incidents very seriously. Following standard protocol, the service has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both videos.
“To ensure impartiality and thoroughness, the Customs Police Unit has been saddled to review the videos, gather statements from the officer in question, and engage relevant stakeholders associated with these incidents.
“In line with the NCS Act 2023 Section 30, the NCS upholds its commitment to a transparent and accountable process. It is important to note that any individual found to be in contravention of NCS regulations—including clearing agents, officers, or other involved parties—will be held accountable under the law and appropriate measures pursued to serve as a deterrent.
“The NCS management, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, wishes to assure the general public, stakeholders, and the business community that appropriate action will be taken in response to the investigation’s findings.
“He urges all parties operating within the port community to conduct their activities responsibly and in line with the principles of respect and professionalism.
“The NCS is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for legitimate trade and commerce to thrive across all its formations.”
Recall that a video had surfaced on social media over the weekend, showing a jeering crowd accosting the allegedly retired female Customs officer.
The crowd could be heard calling the officer a thief as she made her through the exit of the Port.
