Customs/LASTMA crisis: Customs to sanction offending officers

Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday said it would sanction all officers involved in the unfortunate violent attack on men and officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency, LASTMA, few days ago.
NCS in a statement by its Public Relations Office, Wale Adeniyi, noted that investigation was on to ascertain whether the men said to be wearing Customs uniform were actually its officials.
Adeniyi pointed out that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against such officers if confirmed that they were officials of the Service.
According to Adeniyi, “While sympathizing with the LASTMA officials who suffered injuries or embarrassment as a result of the avoidable incidence, the Service wishes to condemn in strong terms, the attack on officials of agencies, especially government agencies discharging their legitimate functions.
”It is worrisome to us that the barbaric action was said to have been perpetrated by officers wearing customs uniform in official vehicle. This act is not permissible under our laws and therefore will not be tolerated. We believe that efforts geared towards ensuring sanity on our roads will reduce accidents and impact positively on trade facilitation.
“Accordingly the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi has directed that all the officers and men involved in this shameful act be placed on “standby” while a thorough investigation to determine their culpability has already commenced. Any officer found guilty will be dealt with decisively
”NCS is a disciplined and self respecting organization that seeks to create synergy among other partner government agencies for the common goal of attaining a better society.”