For a better understanding of the issue at hand, a definition of corruption will be of immense help. Corruption can be defined as a practice of conferring improper benefits contrary to legal and moral norms which undermines the authorities capacity to secure the welfare of its citizens. This definition clearly explains the rot in the Nigerian Customs Service which is the second yielding revenue economic outlet in the country. The Nigerian Customs Service is a government institution whose responsibilities include but not limited to the following: collection of basic duties, collection of levies on imported goods, inspection of seaports and airports, enforcing the fiscal policies of the government, prohibition of certain contra-bound goods and finally helping curb the movements of illegal immigrants in the country.

These functions are the opposite of what Customs Officers perform in the country. These officers have turned to "Apostles of Corruption " in the Nigerian Society. It got so bad that the Nigerian Customs Service was at a time infamously known as the "Most Corrupt Government Institution" in Africa's most populous black nation . Such corrupt acts include: little or no promotion of officers, insubordination, indiscipline, absenteeism and god fatherism to mention but a few. Also most officers who are posted refuse to report at their new posts and instead obtain exception notes from legislators not to forget that these officers also accept bribes from dubious businessmen and women who have no regard for import policies and procedures thereby giving them undue advantage in the society.

It is also a matter of note that this did not just start as of present but since the regimes of several military governments to date. The situation only got bad and worse before deterioting to this stage. This is the reason Nigerian's are super excited with the positive and strict policies of the new Controller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali Rtd, who is making positive history by first purging the service of its five Deputy Controllers-General and other 35 officers. This has been long clamoured by Nigerians to redefine the service and give the service a facelift. These officers have presided over certain atrocious schemes and policies and must make way for younger and more patriotic and vibrant ones. This is in view of the promise made by the new administration to rid Nigeria of corruption and must be commended . While such positive policies are yet to be seen or felt in the executive with past records of the ministerial nominees, it is commendable that it is happening in the Customs Service.

President Buhari and most especially Hameed Ali must be applauded greatly by all. It is clear that we can only achieve the desired by such strict policies like these. Hameed Ali has thus written his name in gold in the history of the Nigerian Customs Service and posterity will judge him kindly.

Culled from Mailtelegraph.

https://mailtelegraph./2015/11/15/revolutionising-nigerian-customs-service-by-col-hameed-ali/