The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) over allegations of smuggling complicity, excessive scrutiny, and incidents of brutality along Nigeria’s borders.
The decision followed a motion presented at Wednesday’s plenary by Sesi Whingan, who cited Section 4 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, mandating Customs to prevent smuggling, collect revenue, and secure borders.
Whingan highlighted a recent incident on December 1, 2024, along the Badagry-Seme expressway, where Customs officers, reportedly collaborating with soldiers, assaulted transporters Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik. The victims were allegedly documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats and a tense standoff resolved by residents and police intervention.
He emphasized that smuggling undermines local industries, reduces government revenue, and floods markets with substandard products. Despite numerous daytime checkpoints, Whingan noted that legitimate trade is stifled by extortion, while nighttime smuggling thrives under the watch of Customs officers.
The lawmaker described the complicity of Customs personnel as a threat to national security and economic stability, stressing the need for accountability.
The House has mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise and Defence to investigate the NCS’s operations, focusing on smuggling, alleged complicity, and brutality, with a report expected within six weeks. Additionally, the committees will assess the role of military personnel in Customs patrols to ensure adherence to legal and human rights standards.
