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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pushed back against allegations of rising smuggling, revenue losses, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of its promotion and succession process, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of how the Service operates.
The response was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, following an investigative report published by a media outlet on August 7, 2026.
The report had raised concerns over alleged increased smuggling activities along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors. It also alleged irregularities surrounding the use of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
But the Customs Service said the claim of a significant rise in smuggling did not reflect the enforcement activities being carried out across the affected areas.
Maiwada pointed to seizures recorded along the various corridors, insisting that the Service’s responsibility is to continually reduce smuggling rather than claim that the practice can be completely eliminated.
“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 the code was not created as a means of manipulating vehicle valuations. Rather, it is a digital tool on the Customs portal for dealing with vehicles that have non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers.
“The 846 code is an established digital valuation code within the Customs portal, specifically designated for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers,” Maiwada said.
He explained that the system covers specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised vehicles, among others.
According to him, vehicles with standard identification numbers are assessed automatically through manufacturer-linked databases, while applications requiring the 846 code go through additional scrutiny by valuation officers and Area Controllers.
The Service also said its post-clearance audit system allows it to identify cases where duties may have been under-collected. Where discrepancies are discovered, Demand Notices can be issued to recover outstanding duties, while offending operators may face sanctions.
The NCS further maintained that revenue collection at major ports has reached historic levels under the current digital framework.
Customs Defends Recruitment ProcessThe Service also rejected allegations surrounding the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, saying the exercise was properly authorised by the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
According to the NCS, the recruitment was conducted in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and guidelines issued by the Federal Character Commission.
Successful candidates, it said, were issued provisional offers but remained subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance before their appointments could be concluded.
The Service equally dismissed claims that its succession and promotion processes were being manipulated to favour particular officers.Maiwada said promotions are based on established criteria, including seniority, merit, promotion examinations and the availability of vacancies.
“Succession and promotion within the Service are governed by established rules and career progression structures, not personal preference,” the Service stated.
NCS Rejects Corruption AllegationsThe Customs Service also addressed concerns over leadership training and international exposure for Deputy Comptrollers, explaining that such programmes form part of its human capital development efforts.
Maiwada said the training is designed to improve officers’ capacity in areas such as trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership. He added that approved programmes are funded through budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions.
On calls for an independent investigation into the allegations, the NCS pointed to the various institutions already empowered to scrutinise its activities, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, National Assembly, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant anti-corruption agencies.
“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct,” the Service stated.
The NCS further assured Nigerians that any officer or stakeholder found to have violated the law would face appropriate disciplinary measures and prosecution where necessary.
It also said it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation by the relevant statutory authorities, maintaining that accountability and transparency remain essential to the effective operation of the Service.
