The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has banned “camp boys and girls” at its premises.
Camp boys are usually unemployed civilians who hang around Customs commands looking for menial jobs to do. Some of them run errands for Customs officials while others are used as fronts to collect kickbacks.
A memo signed by the command’s Staff Officer, A A Kabir and sighted by SHIPS & PORTS warned Customs officers to stop sending camp boys/girls on errands or risk arrest.
The memo reads: “It has been observed that the activities of unemployed individuals around AC’s (camp boys/girls) have become too rampant and excessive thereby hindering trade facilitation with genuine Customs licensed agents.
“DC Terminal has directed that all officers/men should be reminded that HQ circular No NCS/ENF/ABJ/007/S.3, banning/prohibiting the use of camp boys/girls is still in force.
“To this effect, no camp boys/girls or any unauthorised person should be seen sitting, writing, loitering around Customs hall.
“Henceforth, any officer and men that have any message should do so without necessary keeping camp boys/girls.
“Violators will be arrested and handed over to Customs Police for disciplinary action.”
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