NCS Denies Smuggling Surge, Revenue Leakage and Recruitment Claims
The Nigeria Customs Service 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 processes. The Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known 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 intensified smuggling 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. Maiwada said the claim of increased smuggling was inconsistent with the Service’s enforcement activities, pointing to regular seizures recorded along the affected routes. He explained that the Customs Service’s responsibility was to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, rather than claim that the practice could be completely eliminated. On the 846 valuation code, the NCS said it is a digital tool specifically designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers. These include specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models. The Service explained that standard vehicles are assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while applications under the 846 code are subjected to secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers. Maiwada added that discrepancies uncovered through post-clearance audits could result in Demand Notices for the recovery of underpaid duties, as well as sanctions against offending operators. He also said revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under the Service’s digital framework. Addressing allegations surrounding the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, the NCS said the exercise was authorised by the Nigeria Customs Service Board and conducted in line with the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines. According to the Service, successful candidates received provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance. The NCS also rejected claims of succession manipulation and favouritism, saying promotions are determined by seniority, merit, promotion examinations and available vacancies under established career progression rules. Maiwada said leadership training for Deputy Comptrollers forms part of the Service’s human capital development programme, designed to strengthen trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership. He explained 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, the NCS said it remains 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 Service maintained that it has no tolerance for corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct, and said officers or stakeholders found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law. It also assured Nigerians that it would cooperate fully with any legitimate investigation conducted by statutory authorities.
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