The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has advised that leadership succession in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) should be guided by integrity, professionalism, and competence, rather than digital skills alone.
The center stated that future appointments to leadership positions should balance technical expertise with strong ethical values to enhance institutional performance and public trust.
Dr. Eugene Nweke, Head of Research at SEREC, made this known in a bulletin issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
“For NCS leadership succession, digital competence must be complemented by integrity, professionalism, and institutional leadership,” he said.
Nweke spoke amid ongoing discussions about the expected generational transition within the NCS, as many senior officers are projected to retire in 2026.
While recognizing the importance of digital transformation in modern customs administration, he emphasized that effective leadership goes beyond ICT proficiency.
According to him, modern customs agencies require officers skilled in digital trade facilitation tools, automated systems, risk management platforms, and National Single Window operations.
“They should also have deep knowledge of customs law, valuation, tariff administration, enforcement, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and governance.
“The Revised Arusha Declaration on Customs Integrity remains a globally accepted standard for professionalism. Its core principles emphasize integrity, transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, and leadership commitment above technological skills.
“SEREC therefore asserts that the future strength of the NCS will not be solely determined by a digitally savvy generation of officers,” he said.
Nweke emphasized that merit, competence, ethical conduct, and proven performance should remain the primary criteria for leadership selection as the service prepares for the transition.
He also highlighted the importance of effective knowledge transfer mechanisms to preserve institutional memory and ensure continuity in service delivery.
According to him, future customs officers must be technology-driven while upholding principles of integrity, professionalism, and national service as outlined in the NCS Act 2023.
He noted that these principles align with international standards governing customs administrations worldwide.
Nweke expressed optimism that with deliberate succession planning, ethical leadership, and ongoing professional development, the NCS would successfully navigate the transition and emerge stronger, more transparent, and more efficient in fulfilling its statutory duties.
