Customs: Gummi tipped to replace Ali

There is a looming change at Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The Nation yesterday learnt Deputy Comptroller General  (DCG), Hamzat Gummi, may replace Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, a retired colonel. Gunmi heads tariff and trade.

However, it was gathered  a Principal Staff Officer (PSO) outside NCS will be appointed to be superior to the CG.

NCS sources said this would limit the service from having a career officer from being fully in charge.

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They said All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians from Northwest are rooting for Gummi, noting the agenda is promoted by a group determined to sustain legacies ofAli, including continuation of Customs modernisation project that has become controversial and subject of litigation.

Under Ali, the $3.1 billion Customs modernisation deal has not been  implemented due to perceived interests.

Under the arrangement, there is a PSO, a serving general, but working at Customs headquarters which many officers view as an anomaly in a customs management setting.

Some officers hope for an improved paramilitary service when a serving Customs officer is assigned to lead NCS.

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