The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and manipulation of succession within the Service, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative procedures.
The Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated this on Thursday in a response to an investigative report published by a media organisation on August 7, 2026.
The report had alleged intensified smuggling activities along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors, as well as alleged manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
However, Maiwada said the allegation of a surge in smuggling was inconsistent with the enforcement activities of the NCS, pointing to seizures regularly recorded along the affected corridors.
“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the 846 valuation code, the NCS said the digital tool was specifically designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers.
Maiwada explained that the category includes specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models.
He said standard vehicles were assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while applications involving the 846 code were subjected to secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.
According to him, discrepancies uncovered during post-clearance audits could result in Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and sanctions against offending operators.
The Service also said revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under its digital framework
The NCS also rejected allegations of impropriety in the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II.
It said the exercise was conducted under the authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
Successful candidates, according to the Service, received provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
The Service further denied allegations of manipulating succession and favouring particular officers in its promotion process.
It said promotions were determined by seniority, merit, promotion examinations and available vacancies, in accordance with established regulations.
“Succession and promotion within the Service are governed by established rules and career progression structures, not personal preference,” the NCS said.
Maiwada added that leadership training for Deputy Comptrollers was part of the Service’s human capital development strategy, aimed at strengthening trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership.
He explained that approved training programmes and international exposures were funded through budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions.
Responding to calls for independent investigations, the Customs Service said it remained subject to oversight by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant anti-corruption agencies.
“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct,” the Service stated.
It added that any officer or stakeholder found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The NCS also assured Nigerians that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation conducted by statutory authorities.
