The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), retired Col. Hameed Ali, on Tuesday warned that any customs officer caught involved in corrupt practice, would serve the maximum 10-year jail term prescribed by law.

Ali gave the warning in Sokoto when he addressed customs officers of Sokoto/Zamfara/ Kebbi Area Command.

“The minimum jail term for corrupt officers is five years, but I will make sure that any officer found to be corrupt gets the maximum jail term of 10 years.

“This is to serve as a deterrent to any officer who finds himself in the Customs to make money and not to earn money.

“I am not saying that there are no good, incorruptible officers in the service, but there are few bad eggs who are giving the service a bad name.”

The CGC also cautioned the officials against indiscipline and living above their means.

“Our work ethics must change to be in tune with the change mantra as championed by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Ali advised the customs personnel to make integrity, honesty and transparency their watch words.

“You should all do this to minimise the chances of getting into trouble, except those who are criminally minded.”

The CGC explained that the task before him was to reform the service, raise revenue, and improve the welfare of personnel.

He therefore urged the officers and men to strive to block all areas of revenue leakages, saying that the service would use part of the revenue to provide offices and residential accommodation for them.

Ali assured them that, henceforth, there would be no favouratism in promotions, transfers and postings. (NAN)

•Photo shows Col. Hameed Ali (rtd).