The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of escalating smuggling, revenue leakages, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of its succession process, saying the claims do not reflect the Service’s current operational and administrative realities.
The Service said its enforcement records, digital valuation systems and institutional oversight mechanisms had strengthened accountability while reducing opportunities for discretion and revenue losses.
The response followed a report by an online platform which alleged increased smuggling activities along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors in Ogun and Oyo states.
The report also raised concerns about the use of the “846” Extended Procedure Code for vehicles with non-standard Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), alleging that weaknesses in the valuation process were being exploited to under-declare imported vehicles at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
Responding to the allegations, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, said the seizure records routinely presented by Customs Area Controllers contradicted claims of unchecked smuggling along the affected corridors.
