Reps probe Customs over smuggling allegations

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, resolved to investigate alleged smuggling activities by Nigeria Customs Service personnel.

The House decided at a plenary session following adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Mr Oluwaseun Whingan.

Justifying the need to support the motion, the Lagos lawmaker stated that a report by an online newspaper, 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, “Videos published by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of customs officers’ complicity in these illegal activities.”

He continued, “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.

“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.”

Whingan added, “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.

“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 argued 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.

With the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Customs and Excise and Defence to investigate the operations and activities of the Nigerian Customs Service across Nigeria’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 further directed its Committee on Defence and Customs and Excise to examine the role of military personnel attached to customs personnel and ensure their operations comply with legal frameworks and human rights standards.

The Committees were also tasked 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.