Concerns have been raised over increasing political debate surrounding leadership succession in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with warnings that such interference could undermine institutional order and discipline.
The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) made its position known during an interview in Lagos, stressing the need to preserve due process in determining future leadership of the service.
The committee’s Secretary, Mr. Eugene Nweke, noted that discussions around the next Comptroller-General of Customs were becoming overly politicised, cautioning against external influence on a structured institutional process.
He explained that the NCS operates as a statutory body guided by law, hierarchy, and established professional standards, adding that leadership transitions should remain strictly institutional rather than political.
Nweke also expressed concern over public commentary by some officials on matters constitutionally reserved for the Presidency and internal administrative procedures, warning that such actions could create uncertainty and affect morale within the service.
He stressed that oversight responsibilities by the legislature should not be confused with the power to determine or announce appointments, noting that blurred roles could erode trust in governance processes.
According to him, introducing ethnic, regional, or political considerations into leadership succession risks undermining merit, professionalism, and institutional credibility.
He pointed out that the current Comptroller-General is still serving, with a tenure extension aimed at strengthening ongoing reforms such as the National Single Window project and other modernization efforts, urging stakeholders to allow leadership to function without distraction.
Nweke cautioned against premature succession campaigns or public speculation about potential successors, saying such narratives could weaken command structure and create unnecessary tension within the service.
He further referenced Nigeria’s role as chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, noting that the country is expected to demonstrate strong standards of governance, transparency, and professionalism.
He added that any perception of political interference in customs leadership could affect international confidence in Nigeria’s customs administration and its global reputation.
According to him, Nigeria’s position within the WCO provides an opportunity to showcase best practices in institutional continuity and orderly succession planning.
He urged stakeholders to avoid controversies that could distract from ongoing reforms in trade facilitation, modernisation, and international cooperation within the service.
The CCC called on political actors and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow established procedures to guide leadership succession in the NCS.
Nweke stressed that the position of Comptroller-General is critical to national economic security and border management, warning that speculation around the office is unnecessary and harmful.
He further called for adherence to constitutional order, professionalism, and institutional loyalty, adding that the integrity of the NCS depends on respect for due process rather than political pressure.