The removal of Hameed Ali, the former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received praise from stakeholders in the maritime industry. Wale Adeniyi has been appointed as the acting Director General of Customs in Ali’s place.
Stakeholders have expressed their satisfaction with Ali’s removal and have called for a probe into his actions during his tenure. They argue that Ali implemented policies that hindered trade facilitation and drove investors and cargoes to neighboring countries, resulting in significant economic losses for Nigeria.
Lucky Amiwero, a former member of the Presidential Committee on Destination Inspection and Ministerial Committee on Fiscal Policy and Import Clearance Procedure, emphasized the need to investigate Ali’s activities in the Nigeria Customs Service. Amiwero stated that Ali lacked understanding of Customs operations and called for the reorganization of the Customs system.
Taiwo Fatomilola, the National Public Relations Officer of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), also welcomed Ali’s removal, considering it a positive development for the economy, importation, and the maritime industry. Fatomilola criticized Ali’s lack of understanding of Customs operations and his alleged involvement with the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
In summary, stakeholders in the maritime industry have lauded President Tinubu for removing Hameed Ali from his position as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. They believe that Ali’s actions negatively impacted trade facilitation and the economy, and they are calling for a thorough investigation into his activities during his tenure.
