Stephen Enoch
The Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) says President Tinubu’s reluctance to tackle corruption puts Nigeria’s democracy at great risk.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi made the remarks on Thursday at a State of the Nation press briefing in Abuja.
He specifically sounded the alarm on the pervasive corruption plaguing the Nigeria Customs Service.
The backdrop of the State of the Nation briefing painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s struggle against corruption, with recent revelations exposing corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service.
CHRICED’s Boss highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the critical need for accountability and transparency in the face of rampant corruption.
Detailing the findings of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he revealed shocking allegations of bribery amounting to a staggering N12 billion.
High-ranking officials, including Mr. Kayode Kolade and Mr. Ibrahim Jalo, were implicated in the scandal, underscoring the pervasive nature of corruption within the Customs Service.
Furthermore, undercover investigations conducted by Fisayo Soyombo of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism provided damning evidence of collusion between customs officers and smugglers, highlighting the complicity of senior officials in facilitating illegal activities. Such revelations not only undermine Nigeria’s security but also erode public trust in the government’s ability to uphold the rule of law.
Despite numerous instances of corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service, Comrade Zikirullahi lamented the lack of decisive action by President Tinubu’s administration. While calls for accountability and reform echoed throughout the conference, concerns lingered over the government’s apparent inertia in tackling systemic corruption.
In light of these pressing challenges, CHRICED issued a series of recommendations.
“We recommend 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 prompt investigation, arrest, and prosecution of all officers implicated in the recent undercover investigation by Fisayo Soyombo.
“Specifically, we propose a thorough inquiry into the accusations of smuggling of foreign rice and other prohibited items by a senior customs officer in the video featuring the infamous smuggler, IBD Bande, who was shown threatening to kill a customs officer.
“We call for a comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Customs Act to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Board and curtail the overbearing powers of the Minister of Finance.
“We suggest a transparent and timely review of the annual auditor general’s report and recommendations concerning the misuse of powers by the Nigeria Customs, including the immediate initiation of measures to recover the unlawful waivers granted by Customs to companies and personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We further recommend immediate implementation of other audit actions, including sanctions against the comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs regarding non-remittance of levies, taxes, and other infractions of established public sector financial regulations.
“Finally, we urge President Tinubu to prioritize without delay the establishment of a comprehensive national strategy to combat corruption. This strategy should aim to enhance the autonomy of anticorruption bodies, granting them the necessary independence and authority to effectively carry out their duties without any external interference or influence. 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 anticorruption 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 and equipping them with the necessary tools and technology to carry out their work.
“Furthermore, it is imperative to rigorously enforce adherence to established financial regulations within the public sector. Any violations should be swiftly and decisively dealt with, imposing appropriate penalties on those found guilty. This will serve as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated.
“Lastly, emphasis should be placed on preventive measures, such as promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector. Encouraging the adoption of best practices in financial management and procurement processes is essential. By implementing measures like regular audits, strict financial controls, and whistleblower protection mechanisms, the government can create an environment that is less susceptible to corruption.”
