Kogi Rep Leke Abejide Denies Retirement Claims in Customs

Leke Abejide, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, addressed claims regarding the appointment of Olorunfemi as the next Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. He dismissed allegations of family ties and asserted that no senior officer was forced into retirement.

Abejide clarified that the retirement rules stipulate a mandatory retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age, emphasizing that these rules are not discretionary and do not target individuals. He noted a significant recruitment gap in the Nigeria Customs Service over the past 16 years, leading to a large number of senior officers retiring simultaneously.

Abejide stated that 95 percent of officers are expected to exit the service under statutory retirement provisions. He also denied any familial relationship with the appointed individual, asserting that the appointment process is lawful and necessary for addressing leadership challenges within the Nigeria Customs Service.