Customs Rejects Smuggling, Recruitment Claims, Says It Has Nothing to Hide
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has rejected allegations of smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and succession manipulation, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its operational and administrative realities.
The allegations were contained in an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026, which claimed that smuggling activities had intensified along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors in Ogun and Oyo states.
| The report also alleged that weaknesses in Customs valuation procedures, particularly around the “846” Extended Procedure Code used for vehicles with non-standard Vehicle Identification Numbers, were being exploited to under-declare and undervalue imported vehicles at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands. |
He maintained that the service remained committed to enforcing extant Federal Government restrictions and prohibitions while facilitating legitimate trade.
On the disputed 846 valuation code, Customs clarified that it is an established digital tool within its portal, designed specifically for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant VINs.
The service said such vehicles include specialised heavy equipment, classic models, customised vehicles and vintage builds that cannot be automatically assessed through the standard VIN-Valuation database.
Maiwada explained that standard vehicles are processed automatically through a system tied directly to global manufacturer specification databases, thereby removing human discretion.
He said non-standard 846 applications, however, are subjected to mandatory secondary approval by designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers.
According to him, discrepancies uncovered during post-clearance audits routinely trigger Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and the suspension of offending clearance licences.
The NCS also said revenue collections at Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML had reached historic highs under the current framework of digital oversight.
On allegations that the recently released Assistant Superintendent of Customs II recruitment list was published without statutory approval, the service said the exercise followed due process.
It maintained that the entire process, from application through computer-based testing, physical screening and final shortlisting, was conducted under the direct supervision and authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
The service said the exercise complied with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
It clarified that the published list contained names of candidates granted provisional offers of appointment, subject to further medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
Addressing questions on a recent leadership training programme for Deputy Comptrollers, Customs said human capital development remained a key pillar of its strategic vision.
The service said the programme was designed to modernise trade operations, strengthen intelligence management and prepare officers for executive leadership.
It stated that official training courses and international exposure programmes, whether held locally at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, or abroad, were funded through approved budgetary allocations from the Federal Government or formal bilateral technical assistance arrangements.
Customs listed the World Customs Organisation as one of the partner institutions involved in such technical support.
On claims that the current leadership was manipulating succession by favouring particular officers or groups, including allegations that officers recruited in 1994, 1995 and 1997 were being sidelined in favour of the 2009 intake, the service described the allegations as baseless.
It explained that succession and promotion within the NCS are governed by the Public Service Rules, the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and established career progression structures.
According to the service, promotions are anchored on seniority, merit as demonstrated in promotion examinations and the availability of establishment vacancies, rather than personal preference.
The NCS said promotion exercises under the current leadership had been made regular, transparent and prompt, adding that no qualified officer had been denied elevation because of the year of recruitment.
On calls by stakeholders for independent investigation by the Presidency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser, Customs said it was not opposed to lawful scrutiny.
The service said it operates under the statutory oversight of the Federal Ministry of Finance and remains subject to scrutiny by the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant anti-graft agencies.
It said it does not fear, evade or oppose legitimate oversight, adding that it regularly cooperates with parliamentary committees, the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Maiwada said the management of the service maintained a firm and intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage and administrative misconduct.
He insisted that any officer or stakeholder found complicit in unethical activities would face institutional disciplinary procedures and prosecution under the law.
The response places the Nigeria Customs Service in direct confrontation with a widening public debate over border enforcement, revenue protection, recruitment credibility and internal succession.
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