The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Leke Joseph Abejide, has rejected claims that the reported appointment of Deputy Comptroller I.D. Olorunfemi as the next Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service would result in the forced retirement of senior officers.
Speaking on the issue, Abejide described the allegations as inaccurate, stressing that all retirements within the service are being conducted in line with existing public service regulations.
He explained that no officer is being removed to create space for another, noting that current retirements are based solely on legal requirements governing public service employment. According to him, officers are expected to retire upon reaching the age of 60 or after completing 35 years of service.
Abejide further stated that the Customs Service is dealing with the consequences of a prolonged recruitment gap that lasted about 16 years. The absence of recruitment and limited promotion opportunities during that period led to a situation where many officers advanced through the ranks at nearly the same pace.
He noted that this development created a concentration of personnel within the upper ranks of the service, while the lower cadre remained relatively understaffed. As a result, a significant number of senior officers are now approaching retirement at the same time.
The lawmaker revealed that more than 1,500 officers are expected to leave the service under the provisions of the Public Service Rules, emphasizing that the retirements are part of a normal and legally required process rather than being linked to any leadership succession plan.
Abejide also denied reports suggesting he has personal or family ties with the officer being considered for the top Customs position. He maintained that he has no special relationship with the nominee and dismissed claims of political influence in the appointment process.
According to him, the ongoing succession plans within the Nigeria Customs Service are intended to ensure leadership continuity and address structural challenges caused by years of recruitment shortages.
He added that the transition process following the six-month tenure extension granted to the current Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is being handled in accordance with established public service procedures.
