The Senate has urged the Federal Government to use the appropriated N14.2billion in the 2023 budget for the construction of Nigerian Customs Academy and Training School in Bauchi.
This Senate resolution followed a prayer of a motion been presented by Senator Buba Umar Shehu representing Bauchi south on the urgent need for the Federal Government to prioritize the implementation of 2023 appropriation act of 14.2 billion naira for the construction of the training school in Bauchi.
The Senate also mandated its Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff when constituted, to embark on effective oversight on construction and completion.
Senator Buba Umar while presenting the lead debate of the motion believed that construction of the institution will provide the needed professional training towards meeting the demands of institution in the country thereby bringing out officers / personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service in tune with the current realities of professionalism in all their dealings and international best practices which would rid them of unprofessional and unethical conducts.
The lawmaker reminded that due to unethical conduct in the discharge of their duties on the July 19, 2023, the Senate considered a motion on reckless abuse of firearms by officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service which led to loss of innocent lives as contained in a motion by Senator Abdulaziz ‘Yar’adua from Katsina Central.
Senator Buba Umar noted that the proposed Nigerian Customs Service Training School / Academy is envisioned to be a One – Stop Shop for the revenue generating agency consists of Administrative block, Perimeter Fence, Senior Staff Housing, Generator House, Staff Room, Class Rooms, Library, Laboratories, Workshop / Dining Hall, Girls’ Hostel, Boys’ Hostel, Intermediate Staff Housing, Sport Area, Chief Security Office etc, which is estimated to gulp approximately the sum of N14, 200, 000, 000 billion.
He said this funds should be utilized by the Federal Government in putting the highly needed capacity enhancement institutions on ground for Customs.
Similarly, the Senators who contributed to the motion, supported it with attendant adoption of the three prayers sought.
Bashir Mayere
