House Probes Customs’ Alleged Complicity in Smuggling

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the operations and activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) across the country’s borders, specifically focusing on smuggling activities, allegations of complicity, and incidents of brutality.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved at plenary yesterday by Hon. Sesi Whingan.

Moving the motion, he said by virtue of Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the NCS Act, 2023, Customs was mandated to collect revenue, prevent smuggling and customs fraud, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s borders.

Whingan noted that recent reports by Sahara Reporters on November 18, 2024, exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying 6,500,000kg of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers.

He added that videos published by investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, also provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities.

The lawmaker emphasised that reports of brutality also emerged, including an incident along the Badagry-Seme expressway on December 1, 2024, where officers from the Customs allegedly in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters – Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik.

Whingan stressed that the victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats against their lives and a standoff that required intervention from residents and police.

He explained that smuggling has severe economic consequences, including undermining local industries, reducing government revenue, promoting unfair trade practices, and flooding markets with substandard and potentially harmful products.

Whingan further said the actions of some officers within the Customs contravene its core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.

He added that despite the presence of multiple checkpoints during the day, particularly in Badagry and other border communities in the nation, economic activities and legitimate trade are paralysed by excessive scrutiny and extortion by Customs officers and other law enforcement personnel.

Whingan noted: “At night, these same Officers reportedly enable or turn a blind eye to rampant smuggling activities, undermining public trust and perpetuating economic hardship.”

He lamented that small businesses, such as rice farmers and poultry producers are unable to compete with the influx of contraband goods, leading to job losses and impoverishment, Furthermore, the erosion of law and order in border regions like Badagry threatens community stability, leaving citizens vulnerable and disillusioned.

“The complicity of Customs officers in smuggling operations and the use of violence to intimidate civilians pose significant risks to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law,” Whingan stressed.

The lawmaker said the integrity of the Customs was essential for securing Nigeria’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and upholding the economic and social well-being of the nation.

The House resolved: “Mandate the Committee on Customs and Excise, jointly with the Committee on Defence, to investigate the operations and activities of the NCS across Nigeria borders, with a specific focus on smuggling activities, allegations of complicity, and incidents of brutality and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.

“Direct the Committees on Defence and Customs and Excise to examine the role of military personnel attached to Customs patrols, ensuring their operations comply with legal frameworks and human rights standards.

“Recommend appropriate measures to enhance oversight, accountability, and efficiency within the Nigeria Customs Service to restore public trust and safeguard Nigeria’s economic and national security interests.”