The League of Maritime Editors (LOME) has called on the Federal Government to grant the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) full autonomy and introduce a fixed tenure for its leadership to strengthen governance and reform efforts.
In a statement signed by its President, Mrs. Remi Itie, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Francis Ugwoke, the League urged the National Assembly to amend the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 to provide a clear four- or five-year tenure for the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Deputy Comptroller-General, and Assistant Comptroller-Generals.
LOME noted that while the repeal of the former Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) paved the way for modernization and reform of Customs operations, the issue of leadership tenure remains a significant omission. Currently, senior officers retire upon reaching 35 years of service or the age of 60, regardless of their time in office, which often disrupts continuity and long-term planning.
The group emphasized that other key government institutions—such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)—already have fixed tenures for their chief executives. They argue that Customs should not be treated differently, especially given its strategic role in national revenue and trade facilitation.
LOME welcomed the recent remarks by the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide, who signaled plans to address the issue through a new amendment. The League urged lawmakers and the executive to act swiftly, saying a tenured leadership structure would enable the CGC to effectively implement reforms and mentor successors for sustainable development.
“A fixed tenure will allow for structured planning, policy implementation, and leadership continuity, all of which are essential for institutional growth,” the statement read.
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