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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 claims as a misrepresentation of its enforcement activities and administrative procedures.
The National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, stated this in a response issued on Thursday to an investigative report published by an online platform on August 7, 2026.
The report had alleged increased smuggling along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors, as well as manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
Maiwada dismissed claims of a surge in smuggling, saying the Service had continued to conduct regular seizures along the affected routes.
He explained that the Customs Service’s responsibility was to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum rather than claim that it could be completely eliminated.
On the 846 valuation code, the Service said it was a digital tool designed for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers, including specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models.
According to Maiwada, standard vehicles are assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while applications under the 846 code undergo secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.
He added that post-clearance audits could uncover discrepancies, which may lead to demand notices for the recovery of underpaid duties and sanctions against offending operators.
The Service also said revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under its digital framework.
Regarding the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, the NCS said the exercise was authorised by the Nigeria Customs Service Board and conducted in accordance with the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
It explained that successful candidates received provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
The Service also rejected allegations of favouritism and manipulation of succession, insisting that promotions were based on seniority, merit, promotion examinations and available vacancies.
Maiwada said leadership training for Deputy Comptrollers was part of the Service’s human capital development programme aimed at improving trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership.
The NCS further stated that 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.
It assured Nigerians that any officer or stakeholder found guilty of corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Service also pledged to cooperate with any legitimate investigation conducted by authorised government agencies.
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