Reps Probe Customs Over Smuggling Allegation
The House of Representatives has decided to look into claims that members of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are involved in smuggling.
Following the passage of a resolution of urgent public concern, which was sponsored by Oluwaseun Whingan, the member representing the Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State, the House made the decision during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The member who introduced the resolution expressed concern over the Customs agents’ actions.
He demanded, among other things, that the legal foundation of the Nigerian Customs Service be examined, as well as the actions of its officials while performing their jobs.
However, the Committee on Customs and Excise has been tasked with reviewing the move.
The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000 was amended during plenary to require mandatory counseling and training for anyone convicted of corruption-related offenses. The bill passed second reading in the lower house.
On behalf of Lagos Island, Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode sponsored the measure.Leading the discussion during Wednesday’s plenary, Kayode stated that the bill aims to amend Section 67 of the Principal Act by adding three new provisions that require judges and magistrates to impose a mandatory counseling and training period on those found guilty of corruption-related offenses in addition to imposing jail time and/or fines.
Speaking about the bill’s general principles, Kayode explained that mandatory anti-corruption counseling and training for those convicted of corruption-related offenses acknowledges the close relationship between mental health and the archaic accumulation of wealth.
