Introduction
Hameed Ali is one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria. A retired colonel in the Nigerian Army, he is currently serving as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service. His appointment as the head of the Customs Service was marred by controversy, but Ali has never been one to shy away from controversy. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the unconventional journey of Hameed Ali from military officer to controversial customs boss.
The Early Years
Born on January 15, 1955, in Dass, Bauchi State, Nigeria, Hameed Ali was the son of a farmer. He grew up in a humble background, and his parents could not afford to give him a formal education. However, Ali was determined to succeed, and he started selling firewood to make money. This enabled him to attend a local primary school, and he later went on to finish his secondary education.
Joining the Military
In 1975, Hameed Ali joined the Nigerian Army, where he underwent basic military training at the Nigerian Defense Academy in Kaduna. After his training, he was posted to the 3rd Marine Commando Division in Port Harcourt, where he served as a platoon commander.
His Rise Through the Ranks
Ali’s military career was characterized by rapid promotions. He was quickly promoted to the rank of captain in 1978, and by 1984, he had become a major. He was later promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, and he served in various capacities in the army.
The Controversial Customs Boss Appointment
In 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Hameed Ali as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service. His appointment was met with criticism, as many people believed that he was not qualified for the job. Critics also accused him of being a close ally of the president.
Reforms in the Customs Service
Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Hameed Ali has implemented different reforms in the Nigerian Customs Service. One of his key achievements is the introduction of the Nigerian Customs Integrated System (NICIS), which has improved the efficiency of customs operations.
The Rice Smuggling Controversy
One of the most controversial issues that Hameed Ali has had to deal with is the issue of rice smuggling into Nigeria. Critics have accused him of not doing enough to curb the smuggling of rice into the country, which has led to the closure of many rice mills and loss of jobs.
The Uniform Controversy
Another controversy that Hameed Ali has been embroiled in is the issue of his refusal to wear the official customs uniform. He initially refused to wear the uniform, stating that he was not a customs officer. However, he later agreed to wear the uniform after a directive from the president.
Allegations of Corruption
Hameed Ali has also faced allegations of corruption during his tenure as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service. Critics have accused him of enriching himself at the expense of the customs service, but Ali has denied these allegations.
The End of his Tenure
Hameed Ali is currently serving his second term as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, but his tenure is set to end in August 2021. It remains to be seen what he will do after his tenure comes to an end, but many people believe that he will remain active in Nigerian politics.
Conclusion
Hameed Ali’s journey from a humble background to the head of the Nigerian Customs Service has been nothing short of unconventional. Despite facing various controversies, Ali has remained committed to improving the efficiency of the customs service. His tenure has not been without challenges, but he leaves behind a customs service that is more efficient and effective.
FAQs
Q: What is Hameed Ali’s background?
A: Hameed Ali was born in Dass, Bauchi State, Nigeria. He grew up in a humble background, and his parents could not afford to give him a formal education.
Q: What is Hameed Ali’s military background?
A: Hameed Ali joined the Nigerian Army in 1975 and underwent basic military training at the Nigerian Defense Academy in Kaduna. He rose through the ranks to become a colonel before retiring from the army.
Q: Why was Hameed Ali’s appointment as the head of the customs service controversial?
A: Hameed Ali’s appointment as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service was controversial because many people believed that he was not qualified for the job.
Q: What are some of the reforms that Hameed Ali has implemented in the customs service?
A: Hameed Ali has implemented different reforms in the Nigerian Customs Service, including the introduction of the Nigerian Customs Integrated System (NICIS), which has improved the efficiency of customs operations.
Q: When is Hameed Ali’s tenure as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service expected to end?
A: Hameed Ali’s tenure as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service is set to end in August 2021.