The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has asked President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate suspension and prosecution of customs officers identified by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involved in bribery and corruption.
The organisation wondered why the President had remained silent after revelations made by the EFCC and some investigative journalists about the massive corruption in the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
Addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stressed the need for a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria C
He said the reform would also curtail the overbearing powers of the Minister of Finance.
Zikirullahi stated: “We recommend the immediate suspension and prosecution of the corrupt customs officers identified in the EFCC investigation, along with the recovery of the entire bribe amounts they received.
“We call for a prompt investigation, arrest and prosecution of all officers implicated in the recent undercover investigation by Fisayo Soyombo.
“We suggest transparent and timely review of the yearly Auditor General’s report and recommendations concerning misuse of powers by the NCS, 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 further recommended immediate implementation of other audit actions, including sanctions against the Comptroller General of NCS regarding non-remittance of levies, taxes and other infractions of established public sector financial regulations.
CHRICED also urged Tinubu to prioritise, without delay, the establishment of a comprehensive national strategy to combat corruption.
According to the body, this strategy 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.
Zikirullahi added: “This can be achieved by empowering them to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without fear of reprisal or political pressure.
“Additionally, it is crucial to strengthen anti-corruption institutions to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency. This can be accomplished by providing them with adequate financial and human resources to fulfill their mandate. This includes recruiting and training competent and dedicated staff, as well as equipping them with the necessary tools and technology to carry out their work.”
