Customs Officers Demand Payment of Unpaid Election Allowances

Nigerian Customs officers who were deployed for the 2023 general elections have expressed frustration over the non-payment of their allowances, more than a year after the elections took place. The officers are demanding that their due payments be made, describing the delay as unfair and unjust.

The 2023 general elections, which included the presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 25, and the governorship and state assembly elections conducted in March, saw the deployment of 3,138 Customs personnel to assist the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining security during the process.

Despite their service, many of these officers have not received their allowances. Speaking anonymously, one officer described the situation as “wickedness,” highlighting the stress and challenges they faced during the election period without compensation. “For over a year now, we have not been paid our allowances for being deployed for election duties during the 2023 general elections. Let them know it is wickedness for many of us to go through that kind of stress and not be paid our money. I know what I went through where I was posted. Anybody who has sat on our money should release it,” the officer stated.

Another officer expressed disbelief over the delay, pointing out that other security agencies have already received their payments. “It is very unfair to owe us and not say anything about it. Our colleagues in other agencies have forgotten they have been paid their allowances. I still find it very hard to believe why ours have not arrived. Please help us tell them to pay our money,” the officer lamented.

When contacted for clarification, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, directed inquiries to other authorities, stating that the NCS is not responsible for the payment of election duty allowances. “Go and get your records very right; the Nigeria Customs does not pay and is not responsible for the payment of election duty allowances. Secondly, go and find out who is responsible for the payment of election duty allowances. The fact that I said we are not responsible for payment. How can you sit on what does not exist?” Maiwada said.

When pressed on what steps the NCS is taking to ensure the officers receive their allowances, given that they were deployed by the Customs Service, Maiwada declined to elaborate, stating, “You are trying to expand the scope of your question; can we just stay within the confines of the question you have asked, which I have answered?”

He added, “Whatever we are doing is not meant for public consumption,” suggesting that any efforts made by the NCS on behalf of the officers would not be disclosed publicly.

The ongoing issue has left many Customs officers feeling frustrated and neglected. They have called on the relevant authorities to address the matter and ensure that their allowances are paid without further delay. The delay has not only caused financial strain but also raised concerns about the treatment of security personnel who serve the nation during critical times such as elections.