The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Customs and Excise, along with Defence, to conduct a joint inquiry into the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the nation’s borders. This move follows allegations suggesting the service’s involvement in smuggling and reports of brutality against Nigerian citizens.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The investigation will also focus on the role of military personnel in Customs patrols, ensuring that their actions align with legal standards and respect for human rights.

The committees are tasked with recommending measures to improve oversight, accountability, and efficiency within the Customs Service to restore public trust and safeguard Nigeria’s economic and national security interests. They are expected to report their findings in six weeks.

This action follows reports of widespread smuggling, including goods and arms entering Nigeria through its borders, with Customs officers and other security personnel allegedly facilitating these activities.

Rep. Sesi Whingan presented a motion urging immediate investigation, highlighting Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which mandates the NCS to collect revenue, prevent smuggling, and secure Nigeria’s borders. However, Whingan claimed recent reports point to Customs officers enabling such illegal activities instead of fulfilling their duties.

The lawmaker referenced a report from Sahara Reporters on November 18, 2024, which revealed that over 2,000 vehicles transporting 6,500,000 kg of rice were smuggled through Badagry, allegedly under the supervision of Customs officers. He also cited investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo’s videos showing the involvement of Customs officers in the smuggling network.

Additionally, Whingan raised concerns over Customs officers being implicated in violent incidents against citizens trying to expose smuggling activities. He mentioned a December 1, 2024, incident along the Badagry-Seme Expressway, where two transporters were assaulted by Customs and military personnel for documenting illegal actions.

The lawmaker stressed that smuggling undermines local industries, reduces government revenue, promotes unfair trade, and floods the market with substandard products. He emphasized that the actions of some Customs officers contradict their core responsibilities, erode public trust, and raise serious concerns about the oversight of joint military operations.

Despite these allegations, the NCS has yet to comment on the investigation or the reported incidents. Attempts to reach the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, were unsuccessful.

Whingan also noted that despite multiple checkpoints, particularly in Badagry, Customs officers and other law enforcement personnel reportedly extort traders and overlook smuggling activities at night, exacerbating economic hardship and damaging public trust.

Small businesses, particularly rice farmers and poultry producers, are struggling to compete with the influx of contraband goods, leading to job losses and poverty. Whingan warned that the erosion of law and order in border regions like Badagry threatens community stability and leaves citizens vulnerable.

The lawmaker stressed that the integrity of the NCS is crucial for securing Nigeria’s borders, promoting legitimate trade, and safeguarding the nation’s economy and social welfare. He called for urgent reform to rebuild public trust and preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In February 2024, journalist Fisayo Soyombo released an exposé showing how he successfully smuggled rice into Nigeria from Benin with the assistance of compromised Customs officers. Soyombo’s investigation, based on numerous complaints about border security lapses, revealed how Customs officials provided inside information to smugglers, allowing illegal goods to pass unchecked.

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