The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has dismissed allegations of intensified smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of succession within the Service, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its operational and administrative processes.
The allegations were contained in an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026, which claimed that smuggling had increased along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors in Ogun and Oyo States.
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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 could be exploited to under-declare and undervalue imported vehicles.
Responding to the allegations, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the claim of a surge in smuggling did not reflect the Service’s enforcement activities along the affected corridors.
According to him, the frequency and volume of seizures recorded by Customs in the areas, which are regularly presented during media briefings by Area Controllers, contradict the impression of unchecked movement of vehicles and trucks into the country.
He said the Service remained committed to enforcing Federal Government restrictions and prohibitions while facilitating legitimate trade.
On the 846 valuation code, DC Maiwada explained that it was an established digital tool on the Customs portal designed to process vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant VINs.
He said such vehicles include specialised heavy equipment, classic cars, customised vehicles and vintage models that cannot be automatically assessed through the standard VIN valuation database.
The NCS spokesman explained that standard vehicles are processed automatically through a system linked to global manufacturer specification databases, thereby limiting human discretion in valuation.
He added that applications under the 846 procedure are subjected to mandatory secondary approval by designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers.
DC Maiwada further disclosed that discrepancies identified during post-clearance audits could result in Demand Notices for the recovery of underpaid duties, as well as suspension of offending clearing licences.
He said revenue collections at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands had reached historic levels 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 supervision and authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
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It explained that the process, which covered application, computer-based testing, physical screening and final shortlisting, was conducted in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
The Service added that the published list comprised candidates granted provisional offers of appointment, subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
Addressing concerns over a recent leadership training programme for Deputy Comptrollers, the NCS described human capital development as a key component of its strategic reform agenda.
It said the training was designed to strengthen trade facilitation, intelligence management and leadership capacity within the Service.
According to the NCS, official training programmes and international exposure are funded through approved Federal Government budgetary allocations or formal bilateral technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions, including the World Customs Organization.
The Service also rejected allegations of manipulation of succession and promotion in favour of particular officers or recruitment cohorts.
It said career progression within the NCS is governed by the Public Service Rules, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and established promotion procedures based on seniority, merit demonstrated through promotion examinations and availability of vacancies.
The Service maintained that promotion exercises under the current leadership had become more regular, transparent and timely, stressing that no qualified officer was denied promotion because of their year of recruitment.
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On calls for investigations by the Presidency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, National Assembly and Office of the National Security Adviser, the NCS said it remained subject to statutory oversight.
It noted that the Service operates under 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.
The NCS said it regularly cooperates with parliamentary committees, the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and ONSA, stressing that it neither fears nor avoids legitimate scrutiny.
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The Service further reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, revenue leakage and administrative misconduct, warning that any officer or stakeholder found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
It also pledged to cooperate fully with any investigation initiated by competent statutory oversight or anti-corruption authorities.