House of Reps summons Customs CG, threatens arrest of NIMC DG

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it next Tuesday over a petition regarding the refusal of some top Customs officials to retire after reaching their due retirement dates.

The Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation had petitioned the 10th House, alleging that several Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers who were due for retirement had refused to leave the service. The foundation also listed the names of the affected officers.

Chairman of the Committee, Mike Etaba, emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the CG must clarify the situation to Nigerians. He noted that while the Committee remains impartial, it is crucial to ensure government agencies function effectively and that due process is followed, especially in a time when many young Nigerians are seeking employment.

In a related matter, the Committee has threatened to order the arrest of the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) if she fails to personally appear before it over allegations of breaching a license agreement with a private firm, Truid Limited.

Truid Limited claims that it developed and deployed a tokenization system for NIMC at no cost to the agency, with an agreement to recoup its investment through revenue sharing. However, the firm alleges that the new NIMC DG has been attempting to terminate the agreement.

Chairman Mike Etaba expressed frustration over the DG’s repeated absence despite multiple invitations, warning that if she fails to appear at the next hearing, the Inspector-General of Police will be asked to ensure her attendance.