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Tag: Customs

  • Customs develops tech to tackle smuggling

    Customs develops tech to tackle smuggling

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has developed a technology with which to tackle smuggling and manage transporting at the nation’s borders.

    Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this on Wednesday during a working visit to Ogun 11 Area Command in Abeokuta.

    He confirmed that the technology had already been developed and being piloted at Seme-Krake (Nigeria and Benin Republic) border.

    The Comptroller-General said that once the piloting was successful, the technology would be deployed along the borders, saying it would help reduce smuggling drastically.

    ”We have a robust relationship with border countries. Have been to Republic of Benin to meet with my colleague over there and since then we have had opportunities to work together on a number of issues .

    ”They have always been forthcoming in providing the platform ,  we exchange information , we exchange intelligence.

    ”What we are doing currently is to have a Joint-task force for processing of goods that are coming on  transit to Nigeria.

    ”We are going to deploy technology to manage transporting between the two countries , we have already developed it , we are only piloting it now in Seme-Krake border.

    ”By the time we finish the piloting , once it is successful, we are going to deploy it along the borders, it will help us to reduce smuggling,” he said.

    Adeniyi stated that there were cordial relationships between the Customs and  border communities .

    ”All our customs commands around the borders are encouraged to have structures with which they relate to members of the community.

    ”We operate there, we live with them , we also acknowledged the fact that they know the terrain where we operate.

    “We leverage on the intelligence they provide for us in our operations,” he said.

    He commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun  for repositioning the state for industrial development.

    Abiodun assures  that the customs would continue to remain a partner in the strive for economic prosperity.

    Earlier, the Area Controller of  Ogun 11 Area Command, Bisi Alade, disclosed that the command  generated over N15 billion revenue in the first quarter of 2025.

    Alade attributed the success recorded in the command to the support and encouragement of the Comptroller-General.

  • Customs intercepts contraband worth N1.5bn

    Customs intercepts contraband worth N1.5bn

    The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 46 contraband goods worth N1.5 billion in two weeks of operations.

    Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu revealed this at a media briefing on the unit’s recent activities, held in Ikeja on Tuesday.

    He said the seizures followed the successes recorded just three weeks after he resumed leadership of the unit on April 23.

    Within the two-week period, the unit recovered N48.34 million through demand notices issued for improperly declared consignments.

    The comptroller stated that the unit would continue to harness all revenue components to recover losses from evaders.

    He said sustainable programmes would be developed to grow the economy, boost government revenue, and promote legitimate trade.

    Shuaibu said the operatives’ resilience had inflicted heavy losses on saboteurs attempting to cripple the country’s economy through smuggling.

    He added that border patrol teams across the South-West states had stepped up surveillance against unscrupulous individuals.

    This resulted in the seizure of rice, cannabis, used vehicles, and other goods at Imeko, Ilaro, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo, Abeokuta, Badagry, and others.

    “On May 23 and 24, at 03:00hrs and 02:30hrs, patrol teams intercepted two 40-foot containers in the Ijora-Olopa and Mile 2 axis.

    “The containers, MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090, contained seven Mitsubishi Canters, Toyota Hiace buses, and three mini shuttles, all dismantled to evade duties.

    “Other seized goods included used bicycles, 312 bales of printed wax, 23 bales of clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, and 30 flat-screen televisions,” he said.

    Also recovered were 65 tabletop cookers and 31 used split air conditioning units, among other items.

    “On May 19 at 03:00hrs, a patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck containing 1,263 used tyres. One suspect was arrested.

    “Later that day at 23:00hrs, officers stopped a truck along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode expressway conveying uncustomed goods, including bulletproof vests.

    “On May 26, at 06:00hrs, a Mercedes Benz truck was intercepted in Ijebu-Ode. It appeared empty at first.

    “However, officers discovered Cannabis Sativa hidden in the truck’s compartments. One suspect was arrested,” Shuaibu stated.

    He confirmed 46 interceptions during the operations. These included 2,051 bags of 50kg foreign rice, equivalent to three trailer loads.

    Other items were 11 tokunbo vehicles, 1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa, and 4,000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS).

    Also seized was a J5 bus loaded with expired goods and a Volvo truck carrying 180 sacks of new towels.

    Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which had a duty-paid value of N1.28 billion.

    The total duty-paid value of the goods, including rice, PMS, vehicles, and drugs, amounted to N1.5 billion.

    Shuaibu said the unit would remain vigilant as smugglers become more desperate and inventive in their tactics.

    Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Abdul Mayaki, received the cannabis seized by Customs.

    Mayaki said the NDLEA would intensify efforts to keep illicit substances out of border areas.

    He noted an MoU was signed with India to halt codeine production for Nigerian importers, forcing them to seek other routes.

    “With ongoing synergy, we are closing the gap and will checkmate their activities,” Mayaki assured.

  • Viral video: NCS reacts over tragic shooting by operatives

    Viral video: NCS reacts over tragic shooting by operatives

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has handled the viral video capturing a tragic shooting incident involving its operatives.

    The service’s Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Maiwada said that the incident occurred on Feb. 17 in 2019,  and was not a recent development as portrayed by some online platforms.

    Recall that the incident  which resulted in the death of Mr Godwin Agada Onoja, occurred during an anti-smuggling operation at the Shagamu Interchange along the Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway.

    Reacting to the situation during the period, the NCS detained four officers involved and initiated an investigation on the incident.

    According to the Spokesman, the service took immediate steps to address the situation in line with its internal procedures during the period, resulting in the dismissal of the involved personnel.

    “A public statement was issued at the time, and a disciplinary panel was established to investigate the matter thoroughly.

    “At the end of the process, appropriate sanctions were applied, including the dismissal of the officers found culpable.

    “It is pertinent to reiterate that the NCS is a statutory government agency guided by rules of engagement and, therefore, will not condone any misconduct from its personnel.

    “While the video may have resurfaced unexpectedly, the issue had been conclusively addressed, and justice was served in accordance with the service’s regulations,” he explained.

    He acknowledged the various concerns raised by members of the public regarding the resurfaced video.

    Maiwada, however, urged them to disregard misleading content, and instead seek accurate information through NCS official channels.

    According to him, NCS deeply values the vigilance and feedback of Nigerians, reaffirming the service’s commitment to delivering professional, accountable service while upholding the principles of integrity and respect for human dignity.

    “Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team, the NCS continues to uphold transparency and respect for the rule of law.

    “This is evident in the strategic measures implemented to strengthen internal controls and capacity building through targeted training programs for personnel.

    “These efforts underscore the service’s resolve to build trust, ensure integrity, and sustain mutually rewarding partnerships with the public,” he said.

  • Customs intercepts N1.5bn contraband in Lagos

    Customs intercepts N1.5bn contraband in Lagos

    The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja said it intercepted contraband goods worth N1.5 billion and arrested four suspects within a three-week operation.

    Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, the Customs Area Controller, revealed this during a briefing in Lagos on Friday while handing over seizures to NDLEA and NAFDAC officials.

    Shuaibu, who assumed duty on April 23, confirmed the seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N1.5 billion were made between April 23 and May 16.

    He pledged to use his experience to manage the unit effectively, saying the command had stayed true to that goal.

    Regarding revenue, Shuaibu said the command generated N20.7 million through demand notices, auctioned perishables, and petroleum products from irregular importation.

    He added that he had shifted the unit’s approach to intelligence-driven operations, reducing delays caused by traditional stop-and-search methods.

    The unit intercepted seven 20-foot containers of illicit items in Lagos, following preliminary investigations that revealed the following:

    Container MSKU 8551954 held used tyres and vehicles. SYDU 1479614, MSKU 7751689, and MSKU 798700 contained foreign parboiled rice.

    Container ZCSU 8845072 contained new shoes, ZCSU 7055181 had new clothes, and IDU 4258491 was loaded with new bags.

    Other seizures included 4,085 bags of 50kg foreign rice — equivalent to seven trailer loads — and 15 foreign-used vehicles.

    Also seized were 82 packs of Tramadol with 10 sachets each, and 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa.

    Additionally, 290 jerry cans of petrol and 12 bales with four sacks of used clothing were seized, all totalling N1.5 billion in value.

    Shuaibu said the Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in combating smuggling, counterfeits, and other illicit trade.

    He stressed that these achievements reflect a commitment to safeguarding the economy and citizens, through continued agency collaboration.

    He thanked God and Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi for the opportunity to lead the command.

    Shuaibu urged the public to report suspicious smuggling activities and advised honest declarations to avoid clearance issues.

    He added that efficient trade facilitation is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and regional integration in today’s global economy.

    He pledged that intelligence-led operations would create a more transparent, inclusive, and seamless trading environment in Lagos.

    He also thanked officers for carrying out operations without injury and appreciated the media’s role in public sensitisation.

    NDLEA’s Festac Area Commander, Abdul Maiyaki, praised Customs for handing over the seized cannabis and a suspect.

    He thanked sister agencies for their ongoing support in helping NDLEA fulfil its mandate.

    NAFDAC Taskforce Chairman, Shuiba Muhammad, also praised Customs for securing the nation against harmful substances.

    He noted Customs handed over seven trucks of illicit drugs to NAFDAC three months ago, with more intercepted now.

    Muhammad said the seizures were due to effective inter-agency cooperation, which helps reduce insecurity linked to drug abuse.

    He added that stopping such drugs from circulation helps lower the country’s insecurity levels.

  • NCS denies releasing poisoned rice seized from smugglers

    NCS denies releasing poisoned rice seized from smugglers

    The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has dismissed the allegation of releasing poisoned rice seized from smugglers, which had reportedly resulted in multiple deaths in the town.

    The spokesman for the command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, denied the allegation in a statement on Sunday in Seme, Lagos.

    According to him, the attention of the command has been drawn to the widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that they seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner.

    Recall that fear had gripped the residents of Seme border and Badagry communities on Wednesday following reports that contaminated rice, allegedly released by the NCS had caused multiple deaths, including that of a soldier.

    The unverified claims suggested that the rice was cursed by its original owner after being seized and redistributed without his knowledge.

    According to local sources, bags of rice confiscated by the NCS were later released into the market without the owner’s knowledge.

    Sulaiman said the allegation also claimed that the owner allegedly invoked traditional powers leading to the death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry.

    “The Command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading and does not reflect the reality of the matter.

    “The command has always adhered to NCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disposing of seized goods, which is guided by transparency, due process, and strict adherence to extant laws and guidelines.

    “It is instructive to say that no incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS,” he said.

    Sulaiman, however, said some unscrupulous elements were wearing the garment of journalism to disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of the social responsibility they were supposed to uphold.

    “We urge the public to disregard this unfounded story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite fear or tarnish the image of the security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard the nation.

    “The Seme command, under Dr Ben Oramalugo, remains committed to its mandate of revenue generation, suppressing smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade professionally in accordance with extant government fiscal policies and laws,” he said.

  • Customs faces exchange rate volatility challenges

    Customs faces exchange rate volatility challenges

    The Nigeria Customs Service recorded 62 exchange rate changes during the first quarter of 2025, highlighting ongoing currency instability within the trade and importation ecosystem.

    The Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this at a Tuesday press briefing in Abuja, where he reviewed the service’s operations for the first quarter of 2025.

    Adeniyi called the volatile exchange rate one of the service’s key challenges, as it disrupted trade patterns, valuation systems, and sowed uncertainty among Nigerian importers and exporters.

    “Within the quarter, we saw 62 exchange rate changes. Rates ranged from ₦1,477.72 to ₦1,569.53 per dollar, averaging ₦1,521.59,” he explained.

    Although this marked a slight improvement from Q4 2024, which peaked at ₦1,688.28, volatility remains high and import cost predictability remains fragile.

    Adeniyi said the service continues working with the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance to introduce stabilisation measures targeting import exchange rates.

    Another hurdle, he noted, was the stop-start implementation of the Financial Customs Service Operation, known as the four per cent Free On Board charge.

    The policy’s sudden suspension triggered disruptions, forcing both Customs and stakeholders into temporary operational recalibrations.

    In March, the service also contended with a 14 per cent reciprocal tariff slapped on Nigerian exports by the United States.

    “This tariff could significantly affect our export trade and demands calculated diplomatic and policy manoeuvres,” Adeniyi said.

    On a brighter note, he highlighted exemptions on essential food imports as a major step in combatting Nigeria’s food insecurity crisis.

    The NCS waived duties on maize, rice, and sorghum, which helped curb rising food costs and improved local availability of staples.

    In Q1 2025, waivers covered maize worth ₦45.3 billion, rice at ₦751.6 million, and sorghum at ₦2.3 billion in Free On Board value.

    Combined with earlier exemptions — ₦45.9 billion in rice and ₦2.8 billion in wheat from 2024 — these measures helped reduce prices by 12–18 per cent.

    While 2024 waivers had delayed effects due to supply chain lags, the 2025 reliefs added fresh momentum to food cost stability.

    These combined customs measures show how targeted fiscal policy can meaningfully influence both short- and long-term food affordability.

    Adeniyi also emphasised that trade facilitation remains central to the NCS mandate, with Q1 trade value reaching an impressive ₦36.32 trillion.

    This figure, he added, reflects Nigeria’s sustained global trade presence, despite facing multiple headwinds in the international economic environment.

    In export activity, the service processed 8,153 shipments weighing a total of 5.03 billion kilogrammes, in spite of a reduced number of transactions.

    “These figures illustrate changing trade patterns and improved efficiency within Nigeria’s export processing architecture,” the Comptroller-General observed.

    The NCS also seized undeclared foreign currency: $193,000 at Abuja airport, $1.1 million and 135,900 Riyals in Kano, securing two convictions.

    Looking ahead, the service aims to expand its B’Odogwu platform, implement smart risk systems, and infuse emerging technologies to enhance customs operations.

  • N289.5m concealed in carton of yogurt intercepted at Abuja airport

    N289.5m concealed in carton of yogurt intercepted at Abuja airport

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an undeclared sum of $193,000 (about N289.5 million) concealed in a carton of yogurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    NCS’s spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, revealing that the seizure took place on Thursday.

    He said the suspect was aboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    Maiwada stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence and a thorough baggage inspection of an inbound passenger.

    “Acting on intelligence, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash,” he said.

    He explained that the undeclared funds violate the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

    Both Acts mandate that travelers carrying over $10,000 (or its equivalent in negotiable instruments) must declare it to Customs upon arrival or departure.

    Maiwada explained that advanced scanning technology helped detect the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.

    “The seized money has been formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    “As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited funds to the EFCC for further necessary action,” he added.

    He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and curbing illicit financial flows across borders.

    He also urged travelers to comply with the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when entering or leaving Nigeria.

  • How Customs intercepted $578k undeclared cash at Lagos Airport

    How Customs intercepted $578k undeclared cash at Lagos Airport

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, has revealed how it intercepted a total of $578 000 falsely declared from an inbound passenger coming into Nigeria from South Africa.

    The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, John Harrison announced this while addressing journalists at the command on Friday.

    He explained that the suspect, Mr. Okorie Sunday, came into the country on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with the money undeclared and hidden in his body.

    According to him, the passenger, on arriving at the airport, started acting strange, which warranted a search by the officers on duty.

    “The passenger was said to have declared $279,000 and hid $299,000 on his body, bringing the total money to $578, 000. This contravenes the threshold of $10,000 approved by law,” Harrison said.

    Harrison added that the suspect also concealed £100 and a counterfeit $250.

    The cash that was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was jointly counted and confirmed by customs and the anti-graft agency.

    The CAC highlighted that such unlawful behaviour undermines the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

    Harrison mentioned that customs has provided forms at the counters of all airlines to allow passengers to make the lawful declaration.

    While receiving the intercepted cash, the acting Zonal Director of EFCC Ahmed Ghali, urged members of the public to avoid such crimes advising that any cash over $10,000 should be declared as provided by law.

    Ghali added that such an act exposes the country to money laundering and could make the country look like a hub for illicit financial inflows.

    He added that the EFCC will investigate and verify if the money is genuine or fake while taking further investigative action.

  • NCS cancels import declarations after suspension of FOB charge

    NCS cancels import declarations after suspension of FOB charge

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has annulled import declarations following the suspension of the four per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports.

    NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada announced the decision in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    Maiwada explained that all import declarations made during the initial implementation period of the directive had been cancelled.

    The NCS had suspended the four per cent charge on February 11. The charge is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including transportation expenses up to the port of loading.

    The announcement had been met with criticism from experts and stakeholders who argued that the move could worsen the economic situation, including inflation.

    In the statement, Maiwada clarified that the annulment of declarations was necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent disruptions in the clearance process.

    “Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods,” he stated.

    He urged stakeholders to promptly recapture their entries via designated customs platforms and assured them that measures had been put in place for a smooth process.

    Maiwada said that Customs Commands nationwide had been directed to provide the necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents.

    He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to enforcing government fiscal policies under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and emphasised the importance of continuous consultation with stakeholders.

    Explaining the decision, Maiwada highlighted that it was part of the NCS’s broader effort to enhance service delivery and remain a public-centric organisation.

    “Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, the service is committed to openness and transparency,” he added.

    He encouraged traders to take advantage of the opportunity to avoid further delays in the clearance of their consignments.

  • Customs explains 4% FOB levy suspension

    Customs explains 4% FOB levy suspension

    The Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command held a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday to explain the 4 per cent Free On Board (FOB) collection and its suspension.

    Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, addressed the gathering, stating that the new revenue law benefits all stakeholders, including exporters, importers, and customs agents.

    He explained that the FOB collection had been temporarily suspended due to the termination of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) contract with service providers.

    Abubakar assured that the NCS would resume direct collection of the 4 per cent FOB once the suspension is lifted.

    “The FOB collection suspension is due to the termination of our contract with service providers.

    “We are engaging stakeholders during this period to raise awareness about the levy’s importance,” Abubakar said.

    The Comptroller noted that the suspension aligns with the NCS’s efforts to transition to direct levy collection by the service.

    He added that the suspension period allows the NCS to educate stakeholders on the necessity of the 4 per cent FOB, legally backed by Section 18 (1) of the NCS Act (2023).

    “Our aim today is to discuss the ongoing FOB suspension.

    “This engagement is ongoing, and we will invite you again in the coming weeks to further explain the levy’s purpose and significance,” Abubakar stated.

    The Comptroller explained that the 4 per cent FOB, also known as the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), is essential for NCS operations and stakeholder interactions.

    He emphasised that the levy is legally mandated and vital for smooth customs operations.

    Stakeholders at the meeting were educated on the benefits and legal basis of the FOB, while some expressed concerns about the additional financial burden.