House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise, and Defence to investigate reports of alleged complicity of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in smuggling activities and brutality.


It was also directed the committee to investigate the activities of military personnel attached to Customs patrol team and 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. 


He said recent media reports exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying 6,500,000kg of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers, with videos of evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities.


There have been alleged reports of brutality including an incident along Badagry-Seme Expressway on December 1 where NCS officers in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik.


Sponsor of the motion, Sesi Whingan (APC, Lagos) noted that by Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, NCS is mandated to collect revenue, prevent smuggling and fraud, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s borders.


He said: “Despite the presence of multiple checkpoints during the day, particularly in Badagry and other border communities, 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 on small businesses. Most rice farmers and poultry producers are 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 threatens community stability, leaving citizens vulnerable and disillusioned."