Customs dismisses smuggling, revenue leakage allegations
Kola Oyelere Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of intensified smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and manipulation of its succession process, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its operational and administrative activities.
The Service was reacting to an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026, which alleged a surge in smuggling along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors in Ogun and Oyo states.
The report also raised concerns over Customs valuation procedures, particularly the use of the “846” Extended Procedure Code for vehicles with non-standard Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), alleging that the system was being exploited to under-declare and undervalue imported vehicles at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
Responding on behalf of the Service, the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the claim of a “surge” in smuggling did not reflect the actual enforcement situation along the affected border corridors
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Maiwada said the frequency and volume of seizures recorded by Customs, which were regularly presented during media briefings by Area Controllers, contradicted claims of unchecked movement of vehicles and trucks into the country.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing Federal Government restrictions and prohibitions while facilitating legitimate trade.
On the 846 valuation code, Maiwada explained that it was an established digital tool on the Customs portal designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant VINs.
He said the category included specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles, customised vehicles and vintage models that could not be automatically assessed through the standard VIN-Valuation database.
According to him, standard vehicles are processed automatically through a system linked to global manufacturer specification databases, thereby reducing human discretion.
He added that applications under the 846 procedure were subjected to mandatory secondary approval by designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers.
“Discrepancies uncovered during post-clearance audits routinely trigger Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and the suspension of offending clearance licences,” Maiwada said.
He further stated that revenue collections at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands had reached historic highs under the current digital oversight framework.
On allegations surrounding the recently released Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) recruitment list, the Service said the exercise was conducted under the direct supervision and authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
It said the process, covering application, computer-based testing, physical screening and final shortlisting, complied with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
The Service explained that the published list comprised candidates granted provisional offers of appointment, subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
Addressing concerns over a leadership training programme for Deputy Comptrollers, the NCS said human capital development remained a major component of its strategic vision.
It said the training was designed to modernise trade operations, strengthen intelligence management and prepare officers for executive leadership responsibilities.
According to the Service, official training programmes and international exposures, whether conducted at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, or abroad, are funded through approved Federal Government budgetary allocations or formal bilateral technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions, including the World Customs Organisation.
The NCS also rejected allegations that its leadership was manipulating succession by favouring particular officers or groups.
It described claims that officers recruited in 1994, 1995 and 1997 were being sidelined in favour of those recruited in 2009 as baseless.
The Service said promotion and succession were governed by the Public Service Rules, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and established career progression procedures based on seniority, merit demonstrated through promotion examinations and the availability of vacancies.
It maintained that promotion exercises under the current leadership had become regular, transparent and prompt, stressing that no qualified officer was denied promotion because of their year of recruitment.
On calls for independent investigations by the Presidency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Assembly and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NCS said it remained subject to statutory oversight.
The Service noted that it operates under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance and is accountable to the National Assembly, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant anti-corruption agencies.
It said it regularly cooperates with parliamentary committees, the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and ONSA.
“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage, or administrative misconduct,” the Service said.
It added that any officer or stakeholder found complicit in unethical activities would face institutional disciplinary procedures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The NCS further stated that it would welcome and fully cooperate with any investigation initiated by statutory oversight or anti-corruption bodies.
