The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to retire a total of 1,516 officers nationwide over the next two years following the release of statutory retirement lists for personnel due to leave service in 2026 and 2027.
The planned retirements were disclosed in two restricted circulars issued by the Service’s Human Resource and Development Department and signed by the Comptroller, Establishment, A.A. Bazuaye, on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resources and Development.
According to the circulars, 825 officers have been listed for retirement in 2026, while a draft list containing 691 officers scheduled for statutory retirement in 2027 has also been released.
The development comes barely two days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a fresh six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
As part of his mandate, the Customs boss is expected to ensure compliance with retirement regulations, including the exit of officers who have attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service.
The Service stated that all affected officers are required to retire in accordance with existing public service regulations and proceed on mandatory pre-retirement leave three months before their official retirement dates.
In the circular, the NCS said: “I am directed to forward the attached list on the above subject matter as retirement notice to all affected personnel. In accordance with the Public Service Rule (PSR) No. 100238 and Federal Government Circular No. 63216/S.I/X/T; CR 1,/2001/5 of 20/03/2001, all affected officers due for retirement are to disengage from active service and proceed on pre-retirement leave three months prior to their effective date of retirement.”
The Service further urged officers to verify the lists and report any discrepancies. It noted that any observed errors, omissions, or legitimate complaints arising from the retirement lists should be submitted to the office of the Deputy Comptroller-General (Human Resources and Development) on or before 31 July 2026.
The retirement exercise is part of the Customs Service’s efforts to comply with public service regulations governing career progression and workforce renewal within the agency.
