Date: August 13, 2026
Reporter: Tanya Benson
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rejected allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of promotions and succession within the agency, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its enforcement operations, digital valuation procedures and administrative processes.
The response followed a report published by SaharaReporters that raised concerns about intensified smuggling activities along several border corridors, including Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and the Igbeti-Kishi axis. The report also alleged irregularities involving the use of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
The NCS response was issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, who maintained that the existence of smuggling seizures should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of an uncontrolled increase in smuggling.
Maiwada said combating smuggling remains a continuing responsibility of the Service and requires sustained enforcement operations.
“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.
Customs Defends 846 Valuation Code
The Service also rejected claims that its 846 valuation code was being manipulated to facilitate revenue leakage.
According to Maiwada, the 846 code is a legitimate digital valuation tool incorporated into the Customs portal. He explained that it is intended for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers, including specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles and customised models.
The NCS said standard vehicles are assessed through manufacturer-linked databases, while transactions requiring the 846 code are subjected to additional scrutiny and secondary approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.
According to the Service, these additional checks are intended to strengthen the valuation system rather than create opportunities for manipulation.
Maiwada further stated that post-clearance audits can uncover discrepancies and lead to Demand Notices being issued to recover duties that were under-collected. Operators who violate customs regulations may also face sanctions.
The Customs spokesperson additionally maintained that revenue collections at major ports had reached historic levels under the agency's digital framework, rejecting allegations of widespread revenue leakage resulting from the valuation system.
Recruitment Allegations Dismissed
The Nigeria Customs Service also denied allegations surrounding the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II.
The agency said the recruitment exercise was authorised by the Nigeria Customs Service Board and conducted in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and guidelines issued by the Federal Character Commission.
It added that successful applicants received provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
The Service therefore rejected suggestions that the recruitment process was conducted outside established procedures or without the required institutional approvals.
Customs Rejects Succession and Promotion Claims
The agency further dismissed allegations that its promotion and succession processes were being manipulated to favour particular officers.
Maiwada said promotions are governed by established regulations and depend on factors including seniority, merit, performance in promotion examinations and the availability of vacancies.
The Service said its career progression structure is designed to ensure that officers advance according to established rules rather than personal connections or individual preferences.
Training and International Exposure
Addressing concerns over leadership training and international exposure for some officers, the NCS said such programmes form part of its human-capital development strategy.
Maiwada explained that the programmes are intended to strengthen officers' skills in areas such as trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership.
He said approved training and international exposure programmes are financed through budgetary allocations or formal technical-assistance arrangements with partner institutions.
The Service consequently rejected claims that such opportunities were being distributed arbitrarily or funded outside approved channels.
Customs Says Oversight Mechanisms Remain in Place
The NCS also responded to calls for an independent investigation into the allegations, pointing to oversight by institutions including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and anti-corruption agencies.
The agency said it maintains a firm position against corruption, revenue leakage and administrative misconduct, adding that officers or stakeholders found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The controversy comes after earlier allegations published by SaharaReporters concerning smuggling operations, alleged revenue leakages at major ports and claims of a succession struggle within the Customs Service.
SaharaReporters also reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved a six-month extension for Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The earlier report cited sources who alleged that smuggling activities had increased along some land-border corridors and that customs revenue at major seaports was under pressure.
For now, the Nigeria Customs Service has strongly rejected those allegations and maintained that its enforcement, valuation, recruitment and promotion systems are operating within established legal and administrative frameworks.
The competing claims place renewed attention on the need for transparency and effective oversight within Nigeria's customs administration, particularly given the Service's role in border security, trade facilitation and government revenue collection.