Story by Dili Utomi.
In a bid to forestall any act of indiscipline on the part of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service and to engender professionalism, the public relations officer of the Service has issued a press statement in reaction to a not-too-complimentary video of an officer making the rounds.
The CNPRO, CSC Abdulahi Maiwada.
An officer of the Nigeria Customs Service was seen in a viral video soliciting for the sum of five thousand naira in order to help a passenger expedite action in the processing of Customs procedures.
In reaction to the video and the embarrassment that it is causing the Service, the Customs NPRO, Abdulahi Maiwada signed the statement which reads in part “The Nigeria Customs Service is diligently investigating an incident at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, where an officer was observed soliciting ₦5000 bribe from a passenger. This behavior has rightfully raised public concern and we are committed to ensuring full accountability”.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos and was captured on video by the involved passenger. The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures”.
Regretting the obvious precarious situation that this act of indescretion is causing the NCS, Maiwada who confirms that the person involved in this shameful act is an officer of the NCS added that “The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinise the incident thoroughly and appropriate actions will be taken”.
“Such behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation”.
The statement encourages passengers and indeed the general public to report such activities by officers and men of the Service as this is crucial in the NCS’s bid to continue to instill discipline. He ended the statement with a promise that says “NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity”.
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