Customs Dismisses Smuggling – The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service has rejected allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of succession within the service.

The service described the allegations as a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative processes.

The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in response to an investigative report published by a media outlet on August 7, 2026.

The report had alleged that smuggling had intensified along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors.
It also alleged manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.

But Maiwada said the claim of increased smuggling was inconsistent with the service’s enforcement activities, noting that Customs regularly records seizures along the affected routes. “Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.

On the controversial 846 valuation code, the NCS explained that it was a digital valuation tool designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers.

According to the service, the code applies to specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models.

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Maiwada 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.

He added that discrepancies identified during post-clearance audits could result in Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties, as well as sanctions against offending operators.
The Customs spokesman further claimed that revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under the service’s digital framework.

On allegations surrounding the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, the NCS said the exercise was conducted with the authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and in accordance with the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
The service said successful candidates were issued provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.

It also dismissed allegations of succession manipulation and favouritism in the promotion of officers.
According to the NCS, promotions are determined by seniority, merit, promotion examinations and available vacancies in line with established regulations.

“Succession and promotion within the Service are governed by established rules and career progression structures, not personal preference,” it said.

Maiwada said leadership training for Deputy Comptrollers was part of the service’s human capital development strategy.

He said the training was designed to strengthen officers’ capacity in trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership.

He added that approved training programmes and international exposure were funded through budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions.
Responding to calls for independent investigations into the allegations, the NCS 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 anti-corruption agencies.

“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct,” the service said.
The NCS added that any officer or stakeholder found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.

It also assured Nigerians that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation conducted by statutory authorities.