Wearing uniform part of service regulation - Former custom boss

- A former comptroller general of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Bello Haliru has said that wearing uniform of part of the service's regulation

- Haliru said during his tenure as the comptroller of customs he wore uniform

- He said upon his appointment, he was duty bound to obey all the rules and regulations governing the service

A former comptroller general of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Bello Haliru has said that wearing uniform of part of the service's regulation.

Haliru who was the first CG to be appointed from outside the service in an interview with Premium Times confirmed that during his tenure as the comptroller of customs he wore uniform.

Haliru was appointed the CG of customs in 1988 by Nigeria's former military ruler Ibrahim Babagida.

He said upon his appointment, he was duty bound to obey all the rules and regulations governing the service.

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“The moment I was appointed, I became a career Customs officer,” Haliru said.

“I knew I must comply with all rules and regulations of the organisation I am leading and that included wearing a uniform," he said.

Speaking on his work in the service, Haliru said he was proud to have led the customs service.

He also said he appreciated the opportunity given to him by the Nigerian government to serve in the service.

The former CG's statement comes on the heels of the controversy between the present custom boss Hameed Ali and the Nigerian Senate.

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Ali had in various occasions said he will not be subjected to wearing the Nigeria Custom Service uniform.

A decision the Senate has not taken lightly.

Ali in his argument said as a former Nigerian army colonel he cannot wear customs uniform.

He also argued that he was appointed to work and reform the custom service and not to wear uniform.

Ali had said: "I was not appointed Comptroller-General to wear uniform.”

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However, in his defence, Haliru said the issue on ground depends on the terms and conditions of Ali's appointment.

Haliru said: "It depends on the terms of his employment. I don’t know the terms of his employment.”

“But as for me, when I was tapped to lead Customs, having accepted, I had to comply with all the Customs regulations.”

“Wearing uniform is part of the service regulation. When you accept the appointment, you’re subject to the service regulations,” he said.

Source: Legit.ng