By Ayomide Otitoju
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it on Tuesday next week.
According to a statement by Chook Oko, Head of Media for the committee, Adeniyi is expected to respond to a petition alleging that some senior Customs officials have refused to retire despite reaching their due retirement dates.
The petition, filed by Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, accused several officers, including Assistant Comptrollers Imam, Umar, and Egwu, as well as Comptrollers Awe, Fatia, and Faith, of unlawfully remaining in service.
Committee Chairman, Mike Etaba, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that Adeniyi must clarify the situation to Nigerians.
“Nigerians deserve to know the truth, and only the CG can provide clarity. In a time when many young Nigerians are seeking employment, it would be unfair for those due for retirement to remain in office,” Etaba stated.
NIMC DG Faces Arrest Threat Over Software Dispute
In a related development, the committee has warned that it may 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 software licensing agreement.
The dispute involves Truid Limited, a private firm that claims it developed and deployed a tokenization system for NIMC without financial obligations, expecting returns from service providers over a 10-year period. However, the company alleges that the new NIMC leadership is attempting to disrupt the agreement.
Committee Chairman Etaba condemned the NIMC DG’s repeated absence despite multiple invitations.
“If she fails to appear at the next hearing, we will have no option but to ask the Inspector General of Police to compel her attendance. Government officials cannot continue to disregard constituted authority,” he warned.
The House committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency and justice in all government dealings.
