Customs succession row: Abejide denies forced retirements, cites 16-year hiring gap
Chairman of House Committee on Customs and Excise Leke Joseph Abejide dismissed claims that appointing Deputy Comptroller I.D. Olorunfemi as next Comptroller-General would force retirement of senior Customs officers. He stated all exits follow Public Service Rules requiring retirement at age 60 or after 35 years service, rejecting suggestions of premature retirements to create appointments as false and misleading.
Abejide explained the rumored forced retirements stem from a 16-year recruitment vacuum causing workforce imbalance. Officers in service number categories 41000, 42000, and 43000 advanced simultaneously during the stagnation, creating a crowded upper cadre now reaching retirement age together. He disclosed over 1,500 officers expected to retire under Public Service Rule 100238, calling this a natural, legally mandated process unrelated to leadership succession.
The lawmaker denied personal ties or political influence with nominee Olorunfemi, stating he only recently knew the nominee and lacks knowledge of his family background. He confirmed the succession process aims to ensure stability while addressing structural challenges from years of recruitment gaps. This clarification comes two days after President Bola Ahmed granted current Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adewale Adeniyi a six-month tenure extension on June 19, 2026.
With over 1,500 Customs officers potentially retiring simultaneously due to the recruitment gap, how might this experience outflow affect port clearance efficiency and revenue collection during the leadership transition period?