By Edito By Olufunmi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of intensified smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and succession manipulation, describing them as a misrepresentation of its operational and administrative processes.
The NCS made its position known in a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, in response to an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on Aug. 7.
The report alleged that smuggling had intensified along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors in Ogun and Oyo States.
It also alleged weaknesses in Customs valuation procedures, particularly the “846” Extended Procedure Code used for vehicles with non-standard Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), which it claimed were being exploited to under-declare imported vehicles at Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
Maiwada, however, said the claim of a surge in smuggling along the affected border corridors did not reflect the actual enforcement situation.
He said the frequency and volume of seizures recorded along the corridors and regularly presented during media briefings by Area Controllers contradicted claims of unchecked movement of vehicles and trucks into the country.
He said the Service remained committed to enforcing Federal Government restrictions and prohibitions while facilitating legitimate trade.
On the 846 valuation code, Maiwada explained that it was an established digital tool on the Customs portal for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant VINs.
He said the system applied to specialised heavy equipment, classic models, customised vehicles and vintage builds that could not be automatically assessed through the standard VIN-Valuation database.
According to him, standard vehicles are processed automatically through a system linked to global manufacturer specification databases, thereby reducing human discretion.
He added that applications under the 846 code were subject to mandatory secondary approval by designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers.
“Discrepancies uncovered during post-clearance audits routinely trigger Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties and the suspension of offending clearance licences,” he said.
Maiwada further said revenue collection at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands had reached historic highs under the current digital oversight framework.
On allegations surrounding the recently released recruitment list for Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II), the NCS said the exercise was conducted under the direct supervision and authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
It said the process, from application and Computer-Based Testing to physical screening and final shortlisting, was conducted in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
The Service explained that the published list contained candidates granted provisional offers of appointment, subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
On the recent leadership training programme for Deputy Comptrollers, the NCS described human capital development as a key component of its strategic vision.
It said the programme was aimed at modernising trade operations, strengthening intelligence management and preparing officers for executive leadership.
The Service said official training courses and international exposures, whether conducted locally at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, or abroad, were funded through approved Federal Government budgetary allocations or formal bilateral technical assistance arrangements with partner institutions, including the World Customs Organisation.
On allegations of manipulation of succession in favour of particular officers or groups, including claims that officers recruited in 1994, 1995 and 1997 were being sidel
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