The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali, has warned officials of the service who indulge in corrupt practices to desist or be ready to face prosecution and possible jail sentences.
Ali gave the warning on Saturday when he visited border posts in Cross River state alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammed Babandede.
Addressing officers of the two agencies after the visit, Ali warned against cutting corners, saying the days of illegality in the services are over.
He said the NCS has been repositioned for better and effective service delivery for the growth of the country.
“It’s high time you committed yourselves to the service. If you cut corners, you will find yourself in jail. We will not only dismiss you from service, we will prosecute you; that is the only way to punish the bad eggs. When you compromise, be ready to pay for it.
“Dear colleagues, times have changed and we must change accordingly. I urge you to be more dedicated in service and anything you merit will come to you.
“It is time to serve Nigeria with all our strength. I want you all to see your uniform as a great honour and a call for excellent service,” Ali said.
Babandede, on his part, warned the personnel against sacrificing the future of the country for monetary values.
He said, “Your small local activities can affect the whole country. I want to charge you all to be upright for the growth and development of the country. We will continue to reward hard work and efficient service delivery. I want to assure you that we are with you always.”