The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged President Bola Tinubu to prosecute some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) indicted by an undercover journalist, Fisayo Soyombo and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over bribery and corruption scandals.
Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED, while addressing journalists on Thursday, expressed concern over the President’s silence following damning revelations from both EFCC and investigative journalists regarding rampant corruption within the NCS.
While demanding the immediate suspension and prosecution of all Customs officers identified in a recent undercover investigation by Soyombo, CHRICED said illicit bribe amounts received by the alleged officers be recovered.
Zikirullahi said: “We urgently call for thorough investigations and a complete overhaul to restore the organization’s integrity. It is disgraceful and concerning that, despite the recent exposure of a massive bribery scandal involving senior officers, the Tinubu Administration has not taken significant action to hold those responsible accountable.
“The absence of accountability and transparency in our government has created a culture of impunity where those in power believe they can act without facing consequences. This erosion of public trust in our institutions has hindered our nation’s progress. Corruption affects every Nigerian, from the lack of essential services to the erosion of our democratic values.
Speaking further, CHRICED called for a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Customs Act to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Board and to curtail the overbearing powers of the Minister of Finance.
“We suggest a transparent and timely review of the annual auditor general’s report and recommendations concerning the misuse of powers by the Nigeria Customs, including the immediate initiation of measures to recover the unlawful waivers granted by Customs to companies and personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Zikirullahi said.
Urging President Tinubu to establish a comprehensive national strategy to combat corruption, CHRICED said it should aim to enhance the autonomy of anti-corruption bodies, granting them the necessary independence and authority to effectively carry out their duties without any external interference or influence.
“This can be achieved by empowering them to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without fear of reprisal or political pressure.
“Furthermore, it is imperative to rigorously enforce adherence to established financial regulations within the public sector. Any violations should be swiftly and decisively dealt with, imposing appropriate penalties on those found guilty.
“This will serve as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated,” it added.
