Customs rejects claims of smuggling and revenue leakage

The Nigeria Customs Service has denied allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakage, recruitment impropriety and manipulation of succession within the service, describing them as a misrepresentation of its operations, according to Punch.

Spokesperson Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada was responding to a media report alleging intensified smuggling along the Seme, Idiroko and Ilaro corridors, and manipulation of the 846 vehicle valuation code. He explained the code applies to non-standard vehicles and undergoes secondary approval checks. The NCS said promotions follow merit-based rules and it remains open to oversight by statutory anti-corruption agencies.