Customs Deepens Digital Reforms, Defends Transparency Amid Public Scrutiny

 Customs Deepens Digital Reforms, Defends Transparency Amid Public Scrutiny

...Service says digital valuation, post-clearance audits and merit-based promotions strengthen accountability

Customs Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi 

By SAM POPOOLA, Lagos 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional reforms, saying its ongoing digital transformation is significantly reducing human discretion and closing loopholes that could facilitate revenue leakage and procedural abuses.

The Service made the clarification while responding to issues raised in an investigative report published by SaharaReporters on August 7, 2026, concerning enforcement activities along border corridors in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, as well as vehicle valuation procedures at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands.

In its response, the NCS said the concerns raised provided an opportunity to explain the systems and safeguards introduced as part of its modernisation programme.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, said the digital VIN-Valuation framework now plays a central role in vehicle clearance nationwide.

According to him, standard vehicles are automatically assessed using global manufacturer specification databases, thereby eliminating human discretion from most valuation decisions.

He explained that only vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), including specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles, customised builds and vintage models, are subjected to the “846” Extended Procedure Code.

Maiwada added that such applications require mandatory secondary approval from designated Valuation Officers and Area Controllers before clearance can be granted.

The Service further cited its post-clearance audit regime as another layer of accountability, explaining that discrepancies discovered during audits could result in Demand Notices for the recovery of short-collected duties.

Offending customs agents may also have their clearance licences suspended, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

The NCS maintained that revenue collection at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands has reached historic levels under the current framework, attributing the improvement partly to enhanced digital monitoring and tighter controls.

On enforcement at the land borders, the Service said seizure figures regularly presented by Area Controllers during media briefings demonstrate its continued efforts to combat smuggling while facilitating legitimate trade.

It stressed that its mandate remains the enforcement of federal government restrictions and revenue laws without undermining legitimate commercial activities.

Recruitment, Promotion Processes

The Service also addressed questions surrounding recruitment and promotion, particularly the recently released shortlist for Assistant Superintendent of Customs II.

According to the NCS, the recruitment process, from application and computer-based testing to physical screening and final selection, was conducted under the direct supervision of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.

It said the exercise was carried out in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and guidelines of the Federal Character Commission.

The Service explained that the published shortlist represents provisional offers and remains subject to medical examinations and background verification.

On internal succession and promotion, the NCS said its processes are governed by the Public Service Rules and the NCS Act 2023.

It stated that promotion is based on factors including seniority, performance in promotion examinations and availability of established vacancies, rather than personal or group considerations.

The Service further claimed that promotion exercises under the current leadership had become more regular, transparent and prompt, insisting that no qualified officer would be denied advancement simply because of his or her year of recruitment.

Investment in Human Capital

The NCS also linked its leadership and management training programmes to its broader modernisation agenda.

It cited courses conducted at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, as well as training programmes undertaken abroad, describing them as deliberate investments in human capital development.

According to the Service, such programmes are funded through approved federal budgetary allocations or formal technical assistance arrangements with recognised partner institutions, including the World Customs Organisation.

Customs Welcomes Independent Scrutiny

Perhaps in one of its strongest responses to the controversy, the Service said it was not opposed to independent scrutiny of its operations.

It noted that the NCS operates under the statutory oversight of the Federal Ministry of Finance and remains subject to review by the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The Service stated that it neither fears nor evades legitimate oversight, insisting that scrutiny remains an important component of institutional accountability.

“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage, or administrative misconduct,” the Service stated.

It added that any officer or stakeholder found to be involved in unethical conduct would face appropriate institutional disciplinary measures and, where applicable, prosecution in accordance with the law.

The NCS said the reforms were ultimately aimed at building a more efficient, transparent and technology-driven Customs administration capable of supporting legitimate trade while protecting government revenue and national economic interests.