In a dramatic move, the Nigerian House of Representatives has ordered a joint probe into the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for allegedly aiding smugglers at the nation’s borders.
The decision was made on Wednesday during a plenary session, where lawmakers raised alarm over serious concerns involving corruption and abuse of power by Customs officers.
The Committees on Defence and Customs and Excise have been tasked with investigating the claims, with a special focus on military personnel who have been attached to Customs patrols.
The investigation will also look into whether these personnel are operating in line with legal frameworks and human rights standards, amid reports of brutalities against citizens.
Rep. Sesi Whingan, who moved the motion for the probe, highlighted the urgent need for the government to address the damaging impact of smuggling on Nigeria’s economy and security.
“The Nigeria Customs Service is mandated by law to prevent smuggling, collect revenue, and protect our borders. However, it has been reported that some Customs officials have been complicit in aiding smuggling activities,” Rep. Whingan said.
Whingan’s motion followed a disturbing revelation by SaharaReporters on November 18, 2024, which exposed a large-scale smuggling operation under the watch of Customs officers.
The report claimed that over 2,000 cars, carrying 6,500,000kg of rice, were smuggled through Badagry, with Customs officers allegedly supervising the illegal activity.
In addition to these serious claims, investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo released footage showing Customs officers working closely with smugglers.
Rep. Whingan expressed deep concern over the credibility of the NCS and the trust of the Nigerian people.
“The NCS is failing in its primary duties and is instead enabling harmful practices that undermine our economy,” he said.
But the issues don’t end with smuggling. According to the lawmaker, Customs officers have also been implicated in cases of violence against Nigerian citizens.
On December 1, 2024, two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik, were reportedly assaulted by Customs officers along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.
The two men were allegedly targeted because they had tried to document smuggling activities.
In a chilling development, the transporters were threatened with death by the officers and their soldiers, forcing local residents and police to intervene.
“The victims were simply trying to expose the truth, but they were met with violence. This cannot go on,” Rep. Whingan stated.
The lawmaker stressed the serious consequences of unchecked smuggling. “Smuggling harms our industries, deprives the government of revenue, and fills our markets with dangerous and low-quality products,” he explained.
The joint committees will also examine how military personnel involved in Customs patrols can operate within a lawful framework and respect human rights.
The probe is seen as a crucial step in restoring faith in the Nigeria Customs Service and safeguarding the interests of the Nigerian people.
Rep. Whingan added that public trust in the NCS has been severely undermined by the actions of a few bad actors within the service.
The probe, if successful, could lead to greater accountability and a stronger, more transparent Customs Service, officials said.
The House of Representatives’ decision has sent a strong message that Nigeria will not tolerate corruption or brutality at its borders.
The outcome of the probe is being closely watched by Nigerians who are demanding swift action to address these critical issues.
With a significant portion of the Nigerian economy dependent on trade and border security, the allegations against the NCS could have far-reaching implications.
As the investigation unfolds, it will likely shed light on the full extent of the Customs Service’s involvement in smuggling and its role in the ongoing economic challenges Nigeria faces.
