By Aderogba George

A group, The Generation Citizen for Better Leadership Initiative has called on the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Head of Civil Service of the Federation to investigate the alleged age falsification at Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

This is contained in a statement signed by the group’s Public Relation Officer, Mr Johnson Daniel on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the Initiative has persistently alerted the Office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security about credible allegations of age falsification by senior officials in the NAQS.

“The alleged falsifications have triggered widespread concerns among Veterinary Doctors in NAQS, who face stalled career progression due to certain directors unlawfully extending their service through falsified birth records.

“Reliable evidence points to two directors, Dr. Godwin Audu and Dr. Anthony Achuzia, who allegedly forged their dates of birth, undermining the integrity of NAQS and the Nigerian civil service.

“We urgently call the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to act decisively on the investigative committee’s findings, imposing sanctions in line with Public Service Rules.

“The Economic and Finamcial Crime Commission (EFCC) to accelerate its investigation into the financial crimes linked to illegally obtained salaries and benefits.

“Age falsification is not a mere administrative lapse, it is forgery, a criminal offense under Nigerian law, punishable by imprisonment and dismissal from public service,” Daneil said.

He further explained that In October 2024, the initiative submitted a detailed petition to the EFCC, supported by certified evidence, including university biodata and NAQS nominal rolls.

According to him, the evidence reveals that Dr Audu and Dr Achuzia manipulated their birth records to unlawfully extend their tenure beyond the mandatory retirement age.

He added that the alleged misconduct had blocked career advancement for deserving officers, eroded morale, and facilitated the illegal drawdown of public funds through unauthorised salaries and benefits.

Daniel noted that, inspite of an investigative committee reportedly established by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, no tangible disciplinary action had been taken.

“This inaction raises serious questions about adherence to the Public Service Rules, the Criminal Code, and the Penal Code of Nigeria”.

“We implore the media, civil society, and patriotic Nigerians to join us in demanding that public institutions uphold integrity, transparency, and merit.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda depends on accountability, and this administration must act swiftly to restore trust in NAQS and the civil service.

“Generation Citizen for Better Leadership Initiative remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, equity, and the rule of law. We will not relent until accountability is upheld and trust is restored,” he said.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA