The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigeria Customs Service operations, focusing on smuggling, alleged complicity, and incidents of brutality.
The resolution follows a motion moved by Hon. Sesi Whingan, citing Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the NCS Act, 2023, which tasks Customs with revenue collection, smuggling prevention, and ensuring border security.
Whingan, while moving the motion, referenced a report by Sahara Reporters on November 18, 2024, which revealed the smuggling of over 2,000 cars loaded with 6,500,000 kg of rice through Badagry, allegedly under the watch of Customs officers.
He pointed out that, according to Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the NCS Act, 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service is mandated to prevent smuggling, tackle customs fraud, and safeguard Nigeria’s borders.
He further noted that videos published by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of Customs officers’ complicity in the smuggling activities.
He also highlighted reports of brutality, including an incident on December 1, 2024, along the Badagry-Seme expressway, where Customs officers, allegedly in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik.
The lawmaker emphasized that the victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, which led to threats against their lives and a standoff that required intervention from local residents and the police.
He explained that smuggling has severe economic impacts, such as undermining local industries, reducing government revenue, encouraging unfair trade practices, and flooding markets with substandard or harmful products.
Whingan further stated that the actions of certain Customs officers violate the agency’s core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.
““At night, these same Officers reportedly enable or turn a blind eye to rampant smuggling activities, undermining public trust and perpetuating economic hardship,” he added.
Whingan lamented that small businesses, including rice farmers and poultry producers, are struggling to compete with the influx of contraband goods, resulting in job losses and increased poverty.
He further warned that the erosion of law and order in border areas like Badagry undermines 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 noted.
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.”
