House of Representatives on Wednesday, unveiled plans to investigate the activities of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ascertain the actual revenue generated annually and comply with extant financial regulations and relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Sesi Whingan, who frowned at the unpatriotic actions of some NCS personnel at various duty posts.
In his lead debate, Hon. Whingan observed that by virtue of Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, Nigeria Customs was “mandated to collect revenue, prevent smuggling and customs fraud, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s borders.
“The House further notes 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.
“Videos published by investigative Journalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities.
“The House also notes that reports of brutality have emerged, including an incident along the Badagry-Seme Expressway on December 1, 2024, where officers from the Nigerian 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.
“The House is aware 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.
“The House is further aware that the actions of some officers within the Nigerian Customs Service contravene its core mandate and erode public trust. And raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.
“The House is concerned 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 paralyzed by excessive scrutiny and extortion by Customs officers and other law enforcement personnel.
“At night, these same Officers reportedly enable or turn a blind eye to rampant smuggling activities, undermining public trust and perpetuating economic hardship small businesses, such as fice farmers and poultry producers, ore 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 House is further concerned that 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.
“The House recognizes that the integrity of the Nigerian Customs Service is essential for securing Nigeria’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and upholding the economic and social well-being of the nation. Addressing these lapses 5 critical to restoring public confidence and ensuring the sovereignty of the country.”
To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Customs and Excise and Defence to investigate the operations and activities of the Nigerian Customs Service across Nigerian 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.
In the same vein, the House directed the joint Committees to examine the role of military personnel attached to Customs patros, ensuring their operations comply with legal frameworks and human rights standards.
The joint Committees are expected to “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.
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