The Senate has called upon the Federal Government to utilize the allocated N14.2 billion from the 2023 budget to construct the Nigerian Customs Academy/Training School in Bauchi.Â
Meanwhile, the Senate has tasked its Committee on Customs, Excise, and Tariff, once constituted, to ensure effective oversight of the construction and completion of the envisioned One-Stop Shop operational center for the revenue-generating agency.
The resolutions were made in response to a motion presented by Senator Umar Shehu Buba (APC Bauchi South) and co-sponsored by 16 other Senators. Senator Buba emphasized that the proposed Nigerian Customs Service Training School/Academy aims to be a comprehensive facility, including administrative blocks, perimeter fencing, staff housing, classrooms, library, laboratories, and more, with an estimated cost of approximately N14.2 billion.
The construction of this additional Customs Training/Academy is expected to provide much-needed professional training to meet the demands of the institution in the country.
The goal is to ensure that officers and personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service adhere to current best practices and professionalism in their operations, thereby eliminating unprofessional and unethical conduct.
The Senate’s decision comes in the wake of concerns over reckless use of firearms by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives. By utilizing the earmarked funds for the construction of the Academy and Training School, the government aims to enhance the capacity of the Customs agency and foster better practices among its officers.
All Senators who participated in the discussion supported the motion, leading to the adoption of its three main proposals.
