- House of Representatives adopted a motion to investigate Nigeria Customs Service personnel involved in smuggling
- Oluwaseun Whingan cited the Sahara Reporters’ investigation into the smuggling of cars and rice
- Committees tasked with recommending measures to restore Customs integrity and protect Nigeria’s borders
The House of Representatives has taken a resolution to investigate the alleged involvement of Nigeria Customs Service personnel in smuggling and bring the culprits to justice.
The House reached the decision during its plenary session on Wednesday, December 11, following the adoption of an urgent public importance motion introduced by Mr Oluwaseun Whingan, representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State.
Lawmaker cites Customs assault on transporters
The Lagos lawmaker defended the motion by referring to a November 18, 2024 report from Sahara Reporters, which was titled, “Exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying 6,500,000kg of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers.”
Whingan said, “Videos published by investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, provided evidence of Customs officers’ complicity in these illegal activities.
“Reports of brutality have emerged, including an incident along the Badagry-Seme Expressway on December 1, 2024, where officers from the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik.
“The victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats against their lives and a standoff that required intervention from residents and police.
“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.
“The actions of some officers within the Nigerian Customs Service contravene its core mandate, erode public trust and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.”
Smuggling by customs hurting small businesses
Whingan pointed out that, despite the numerous checkpoints in Badagry and other border towns, legitimate trade and economic activities are suffering because of the excessive scrutiny and extortion by Customs officers and other law enforcement agencies.
“At night, these same officers reportedly enable or turn a blind eye to rampant smuggling activities, undermining public trust and perpetuating economic hardship on small businesses, such as rice farmers and poultry producers, who are unable to compete with the influx of contraband goods, leading to job losses and impoverishment.
“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.”
He emphasised that the Nigerian Customs Service’s integrity is vital for securing the country’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring the overall economic and social well-being of Nigeria.
Reps orders probe into Customs operations
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed its Committees on Customs and Excise, as well as Defence, to investigate the operations and activities of the Nigerian Customs Service at the country's 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.”
The House also directed its committees on Defence and Customs and Excise to investigate the role of military personnel assigned to Customs, ensuring their operations are fully compliant with legal and human rights standards.
In addition, the committees were charged with advising on measures to enhance oversight, accountability, and efficiency within the Nigeria Customs Service, to restore public confidence and safeguard the nation's economic and security interests.
Customs and Immigration agencies to advance use of technology at Nigerian borders
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, revealed plans to roll out innovative technologies at the nation’s borders, focusing on improving trade flow and security.
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi emphasised that the initiative will enable faster passage for goods and passengers, improve trade efficiency, facilitate security and economic data.