The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of intensified smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of officers’ career progression, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative processes.
The allegations were contained in an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026.
Responding to the report, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said claims of a surge in smuggling along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors did not reflect the reality of enforcement activities.
He said the volume and frequency of seizures recorded along the affected border routes, which are regularly presented during media briefings by Area Controllers, demonstrated that Customs operations remained active.
Maiwada said the Service was committed to enforcing government restrictions and prohibitions while facilitating legitimate trade.
On the disputed “846” valuation code, the NCS explained that it was a digital procedure designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers that could not be automatically assessed through the standard VIN valuation database.
According to him, the procedure covers specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles, customised vehicles and vintage models.
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He said standard vehicles were assessed automatically through a system linked to global manufacturers’ specification databases, while applications processed under the 846 code required 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,” he said.
Maiwada added that 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 recruitment of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II), the Service said the exercise was conducted under the supervision and authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
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It said the process, which covered 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 recently published list contained candidates who had received provisional offers, subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
Addressing concerns over leadership training for Deputy Comptrollers, the NCS said human capital development remained central to its reform agenda.
It explained that training programmes, whether conducted at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, or overseas, were funded through approved government budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with international partners, including the World Customs Organisation.
The Service also rejected allegations that its leadership was manipulating succession by favouring particular officers or recruitment batches.
It said promotions and career progression were governed by the Public Service Rules, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and established procedures based on seniority, merit demonstrated through promotion examinations and available vacancies.
According to the NCS, the current administration has made promotion exercises more regular, transparent and timely, insisting that no qualified officer had been denied promotion because of their recruitment year.
On calls for investigations by the Presidency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, National Assembly and Office of the National Security Adviser, the Service said it remained subject to statutory oversight.
It listed the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Assembly, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant anti-corruption agencies among institutions with oversight responsibilities.
The NCS said it had consistently cooperated 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.
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It added that any officer or stakeholder found involved in unethical conduct would face institutional disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Service further said it welcomed legitimate investigations by statutory oversight and anti-corruption bodies and would fully cooperate with such processes.
