The Nigeria Customs Service has rejected allegations of rising smuggling, revenue leakages, recruitment irregularities and interference in its succession process, describing the claims as inaccurate representations of its enforcement and administrative procedures.
The Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday in response to an investigative report published by a media organisation on August 7, 2026.
The report had alleged increased smuggling activities along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi corridors, while also raising concerns over alleged manipulation of the 846 valuation code at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
Addressing the smuggling allegations, Maiwada said the claims did not reflect the enforcement efforts of the Service, citing repeated seizures made along the affected routes.
“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.
The NCS also clarified the purpose of the 846 valuation code, explaining that the digital mechanism applies to vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers, including specialised heavy-duty equipment, classic cars and customised vehicles.
“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.
According to the Service, vehicles with standard identification numbers are valued automatically using manufacturer-linked databases, while requests processed under the 846 code undergo additional scrutiny and approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.
It added that post-clearance audits could uncover underpayments, in which case Demand Notices may be issued to recover outstanding duties, with sanctions imposed on operators found to have violated the rules.
The Customs Service further maintained that revenue collections at the country’s major ports had attained historic levels under its digital valuation system.
On the recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II, the NCS said the exercise received the approval of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and complied with the provisions of the NCS Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines.
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It explained that successful applicants received provisional appointment offers, which remained subject to medical screening, background checks and formal acceptance.
The Service equally dismissed claims that its succession and promotion processes were being manipulated to favour particular officers.
It said career advancement was 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 said.
Maiwada also defended the leadership training programmes organised for Deputy Comptrollers, describing them as part of the NCS’s broader efforts to strengthen its workforce and improve capacity in trade operations, intelligence management and executive leadership.
He said approved training and international exposure programmes were financed through budgetary provisions or formal technical assistance agreements with partner institutions.
On demands for independent probes into the allegations, the Service said it operates under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the National Assembly, the 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 added that any officer or stakeholder found culpable of wrongdoing would be subjected to disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
It also assured the public that it would cooperate with any legitimate investigation conducted by competent statutory authorities.