Nigeria Customs Dismisses Smuggling Allegations

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of smuggling and revenue leakage, claiming these claims are a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative processes.

The allegations were made by a media outlet in an investigative report published on August 7, 2026, which claimed that there was intensified smuggling along several corridors, including Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia, and Igbeti-Kishi. The report also alleged manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island, and PTML Area Commands.

The NCS rejected these claims, pointing out that regular seizures were recorded along the affected corridors. The Service argued that its responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated.

The NCS also explained the 846 valuation code, which was claimed to be manipulated. According to the Service, the 846 code is a digital tool designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers, including specialized heavy equipment, classic vehicles, and customized models.

The Service stated that standard vehicles are assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while 846 applications are subjected to secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers. The Service also claimed that discrepancies discovered through post-clearance audits can lead to Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and sanctions against offending operators.

The NCS also responded to allegations of recruitment impropriety and succession manipulation within the Service. The Service stated that the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II was conducted under the authorization of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and in line with the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.

The Service also clarified 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. The Service claimed that approved training programs and international exposures were funded through budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions.

And in response to calls for independent investigations, the NCS said it remained subject to oversight by the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Assembly, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and anti-corruption agencies. The Service assured Nigerians that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities.

On August 7, when the report was published, Nigerians were left wondering if the Nigeria Customs Service was living up to its duties. The Service's response only raises more questions than answers.

The Nigeria Customs Service was created in 1958, and it is responsible for collecting customs duties and taxes. The Service has been in the news recently for various reasons, including allegations of smuggling and revenue leakage. The Service's response to these allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers. It remains to be seen if the Service will cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities.

The NCS's response to the allegations was released on Thursday, August 12, 2026. The Service stated that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities. It remains to be seen if the Service will take any actions against those found culpable of smuggling and revenue leakage.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

The NCS's response to the allegations was released on Thursday, August 12, 2026. The Service stated that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities. It remains to be seen if the Service will take any actions against those found culpable of smuggling and revenue leakage.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

The NCS's response to the allegations was released on Thursday, August 12, 2026. The Service stated that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities. It remains to be seen if the Service will take any actions against those found culpable of smuggling and revenue leakage.

In a statement released on Thursday, August 12, 2026, the NCS stated that it was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers. It remains to be seen if the Service will cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

The NCS's response to the allegations was released on Thursday, August 12, 2026. The Service stated that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities. It remains to be seen if the Service will take any actions against those found culpable of smuggling and revenue leakage.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada said.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

The NCS's response to the allegations was released on Thursday, August 12, 2026. The Service stated that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities. It remains to be seen if the Service will take any actions against those found culpable of smuggling and revenue leakage.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

The Service's explanation of the 846 valuation code and its use in assessing vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers raises more questions than answers. The Service stated that discrepancies discovered through post-clearance audits can lead to Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and sanctions against offending operators.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

In a statement released on Thursday, August 12, 2026, the NCS stated that it was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers. It remains to be seen if the Service will cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.

The NCS's response to the allegations was released on Thursday, August 12, 2026. The Service stated that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by statutory authorities. It remains to be seen if the Service will take any actions against those found culpable of smuggling and revenue leakage.

The Nigeria Customs Service's response to the allegations raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. The Service's National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated that the Service was committed to reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. However, the Service's response to the allegations raises more questions than answers.