Nigerian Customs : Probable replacement for Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) revealed
There is a looming change at Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The Nation yesterday learnt Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Hamzat Gummi, may replace Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, a retired colonel. Gunmi heads tariff and trade.
However, it was gathered a Principal Staff Officer (PSO) outside NCS will be appointed to be superior to the CG.
According to the NATION, NCS sources said this would limit the service from having a career officer from being fully in charge.
They said All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians from Northwest are rooting for Gummi, noting the agenda is promoted by a group determined to sustain legacies of Ali, including continuation of Customs modernisation project that has become controversial and subject of litigation.
Under Ali, the $3.1 billion Customs modernisation deal has not been implemented due to perceived interests.
Under the arrangement, there is a PSO, a serving general, but working at Customs headquarters which many officers view as an anomaly in a customs management setting.
Some officers hope for an improved paramilitary service when a serving Customs officer is assigned to lead NCS.
