By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has moved to investigate the Nigeria Customs Service over smuggling of cars and bags of rice through Badagry under the watch of the officers.
This motion was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member, Representing Badagry Federal Constituency of Lagos State on the “Need to Investigate the Activities of the Nigeria Customs Service”, on Wednesday at plenary.
Rep. Whingan noted that Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is mandated to collect revenue, prevent smuggling and customs fraud, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s borders.
But according to him, 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 joumoalist Fisayo Soyombo provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities”.
He also noted 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 assautted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik. The victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats against their ives and a standoff that required intervention from residents and police”.
He expressed worries 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.
Rep. Whingan added that the actions of some officers within the Nigerian Customs Service contravene its core mandate, erode public trust. and raise concems about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.
The motion reads: “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 paratyzed by excessive scrutiny and extortion by Customs officers and other law enforcement personnel. At night, these same Officers reportedly enable or tum 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 vuinerable ond disillusioned.
“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.
“Recognizes that The integrity of the Nigerian Customs Service is essentiol 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 fhe sovereignty of the country”.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the 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.
The House also madates Committees to examine the role of military personnel attached to Customs patrols, ensuring their operations comply with legal frameworks and human rights standards.
The Committees on Defense and Customs and Excise 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.