The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reform, saying its expanding digitalisation programme is helping to close loopholes associated with revenue leakage, valuation manipulation and administrative abuse.
The Service’s position followed questions raised in an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026, concerning enforcement activities along border corridors in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, as well as vehicle valuation procedures at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.
Responding to the issues, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the Service’s ongoing reforms were specifically designed to reduce human discretion, strengthen oversight and improve the integrity of customs processes.
Maiwada highlighted the Service’s digital VIN-Valuation framework, which he said now governs vehicle clearance nationwide.
Under the system, standard vehicles are automatically assessed against global manufacturer specification databases, significantly reducing the scope for discretionary valuation decisions.
He explained that vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs)—including specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles, customised builds and vintage models—are subjected to the “846” Extended Procedure Code.
Such applications, he noted, require secondary approval from designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers before clearance can be completed.
The Service also pointed to its post-clearance audit system as another layer of accountability, explaining that discrepancies discovered during audits can result in Demand Notices for recovery of underpaid duties and, where necessary, suspension of clearance licences belonging to offending agents.
According to the NCS, revenue collections at major ports including Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML have reached historic levels under the strengthened digital oversight regime.
On enforcement along Nigeria’s land borders, the Service maintained that seizure figures regularly presented by Area Controllers demonstrate its sustained efforts against smuggling.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing federal import restrictions while ensuring that legitimate trade continues to receive the necessary facilitation.
The Service also defended the integrity of its recruitment and promotion processes.
It said the recently released Assistant Superintendent of Customs II shortlist followed a structured process involving applications, computer-based testing, physical screening and final selection under the supervision of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
The Service said the exercise was conducted in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and Federal Character Commission guidelines, stressing that the published list represents provisional offers subject to medical and background verification.
On internal promotions and succession, the NCS said the process is governed by the Public Service Rules and the NCS Act 2023, with advancement based on seniority, performance in promotion examinations and availability of established vacancies.
The Service said promotion exercises under the current leadership had become more regular and transparent, adding that no qualified officer would be denied advancement solely because of their year of recruitment.
The NCS further described its leadership development programmes, including courses at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, and international training programmes, as part of its broader human capital development strategy.
According to the Service, such programmes are funded through approved federal budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with recognised partner institutions, including the World Customs Organisation.
While defending its reforms, the Service said it remained open to legitimate independent scrutiny.
It noted that the NCS operates under the statutory oversight of the Federal Ministry of Finance and remains subject to review by the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC.
The Service also referenced oversight involving the Office of the National Security Adviser where applicable.
The Customs management reiterated its “firm, intolerant posture” towards corruption, revenue leakage and administrative misconduct, warning that officers or stakeholders found culpable of unethical conduct would face disciplinary action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Service maintained that its digital transformation agenda is ultimately aimed at building a more transparent, efficient, accountable and technology-driven Customs administration capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing trade environment while safeguarding government revenue.
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