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Tag: Nigeria Customs Service

  • Operation Whirlwind: Customs seizes 273,670 litres of smuggled petrol worth N273.9m

    Operation Whirlwind: Customs seizes 273,670 litres of smuggled petrol worth N273.9m

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of 273,670 litres of smuggled petroleum products valued at N273,940,000, across multiple states under its special enforcement initiative, Operation Whirlwind. 

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos, emphasising that the fight against petrol smuggling is critical to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and energy security.  

    Speaking at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) in Ikeja, Lagos, the Customs boss provided a breakdown of seizures made in key regions. 

    He said: “In Adamawa State on January 30, officers intercepted 199,495 liters worth N199,495,000, while in Kwara on February 17, an additional 45,875 liters valued at N38,645,000 were confiscated.  

    “The most recent seizures in Lagos and Ogun states further highlight the scale of this illicit trade. Between January 11 and February 23, NCS operatives in Zone A confiscated 28,300 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35,800,000.”

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    The seized items, he noted, included 1,132 jerry cans of 25 liters each and three smuggling vehicles – Toyota Camry (Chassis No. JTDAT1237101922C7), Volkswagen (Lagos Reg. No. AAA-928FY, Chassis No. WVW222312LE114785), and Toyota Camry (Chassis No. 4T1BG22KXXU582542). 

    The Customs Chief revealed that intelligence-led operations exposed several major smuggling corridors. The Badagry-Seme corridor, he stated, accounted for 35 per cent of seizures, followed by the Imeko-Afon axis (25 per cent), the Ilaro-Ojodan network (22 per cent), and the Owode-Ajilete route (18 per cent).  

    “Our comprehensive analysis of the pattern of seizures across the Lagos/Ogun axis reveals significant insights into the dynamic smuggling tactics and dominant routes being exploited by these economic saboteurs,” he stated.  

    According to the CGC, the Service has observed a “shift in smuggling tactics”, as smugglers now favour “daylight smuggling” (9 AM – 2 PM) instead of night-time movements, “community-based storage” in border towns to stage smaller, discreet shipments, “modified vehicles” with concealed compartments and falsified registration, and “smaller-volume movements” using multiple trips to evade detection.  

    “These unscrupulous elements have shown remarkable adaptability, constantly refining their methods to circumvent our enforcement measures,” the Comptroller-General remarked. 

    “What we are witnessing is not just routine customs violations but a systematic attempt to undermine Nigeria’s economic foundations through the diversion of strategic national resources.”  

    The success of Operation Whirlwind, the Customs Chief noted, is largely due to inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).  

    “This collaborative framework, championed by the National Security Adviser and vigorously supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, characterises the administration’s proactive stance on security governance,” he emphasised. 

    “The President’s directive on preemptive response to early warning signals of security threats has fundamentally transformed our operational approach, enabling seamless intelligence sharing and coordinated tactical responses across security and regulatory agencies.”  

    To further tighten enforcement, Adeniyi disclosed that the Service will be deploying advanced surveillance technology along high-risk routes, specialised tactical response teams trained in petroleum product interdiction, stronger community engagement for intelligence gathering and an intelligence-driven risk assessment framework to optimise resource allocation.  

    Reiterating a tough stance against smugglers, the Comptroller-General warned: “Let me be clear: there will be no safe haven for smugglers in our operational areas. We shall maintain this momentum and continue to adapt our strategies to counter the dynamic tactics of these economic saboteurs.”  

    He also praised the officers of Operation Whirlwind for their dedication despite the operational risks, assuring that Customs will continue to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests and ensure that petroleum products meant for domestic consumption serve the needs of Nigerian citizens.  

    “NCS will continue to protect Nigeria’s economic interests and ensure that the benefits of government policies reach all citizens. We shall continue to justify the confidence reposed in us by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration,” he concluded.

  • Customs cancels import declarations under suspended 4% FOB charge

    Customs cancels import declarations under suspended 4% FOB charge

    In a bid to maintain operational consistency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has annulled all import declarations made during the brief implementation of the 4 per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge.

    This decision follows the earlier suspension of the charge and aims to prevent disruptions in the clearance of imported goods.

    In a statement released on Monday, the NCS directed importers, customs agents, and other affected stakeholders to recapture their entries to facilitate the clearance process.

    “This measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes,” stated Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.

    To facilitate a seamless transition, the NCS also directed all customs commands nationwide to provide assistance and necessary clarifications to importers and agents. 

    The Service reassured stakeholders that mechanisms have been put in place to make the recapturing process as smooth as possible.

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    “The Service remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 through robust consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders,” the statement added.

    Customs, under the leadership of its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and efficiency in service delivery. 

    “Traders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments,” the statement concluded.

  • NCS cancels import declarations made on charge of 4 percent FOB

    NCS cancels import declarations made on charge of 4 percent FOB

    …directs stakeholders to recapture entries

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday announced the cancellation of the declarations it made during the implementation of the 4 percent Free on Board (FOB) charges.

    NCS consequently urged stakeholders to recapture their entries.

    National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada broke the news in a press statement.

    He said: “Sequel to the earlier press release announcing the suspension of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform stakeholders that all import declarations made during the initial implementation period have been cancelled.

    “This measure is necessary to ensure clarity, maintain consistency in customs operations, and prevent any disruptions in clearance processes. Affected importers, customs agents, and stakeholders are, therefore, required to recapture their declarations to proceed with the clearance of their goods.

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    “In addition, all stakeholders affected are urged to promptly recapture their entries through the designated customs processing platforms.”

    He said the NCS has put measures in place to ensure the process is seamless.

    He further said Customs Commands nationwide have been directed to provide the necessary assistance and clarifications to importers and agents requiring support during this period.

     The Service, he said, remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing government fiscal policies in alignment with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 through robust consultation and dialogue with all stakeholders.

    According to the statement, the decision to cancel previous declarations and give room for recapturing is part of the Service’s broader effort to be a public-centric organisation that ensures efficient service delivery.

    He said under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains committed to demonstrating openness and transparency in its engagements with stakeholders.

    Traders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid any further delays in the clearance of their consignments

  • Reps committee summons Customs CG over alleged refusal of senior officers to retire

    Reps committee summons Customs CG over alleged refusal of senior officers to retire

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to appear before it next Tuesday to address concerns over the refusal of some senior officers to retire.

    Six senior officers, reportedly holding ranks between Comptroller and Assistant Comptroller General, are alleged to have remained in service despite reaching the mandatory retirement age.

    The summons follows a petition by an NGO, Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation, which accused the officers of defying retirement regulations.

    Committee chairman, Mike Etaba, stated that the Customs CG must clarify the situation and provide Nigerians with the true position of the matter.

    He said: “Nigerians deserve to know the truth of the matter and it is only the CG that can clarify the situation. We are elected to serve the people and ensuring that all government agencies function effectively is part of that service. In this era when most of our youths are looking for job, it will be wrong for the older ones who are due for retirement to refuse to go. 

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    “That is not to say we shall take sides, far from it. We treat each case on merit ensuring that  justice is given at all times to the deserving.”

    Also, the committee threatened to order the arrest of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Identity Management Commission, NIMC if she fails to appear in person to respond to allegations of refusal to pay for state of the art software development project installed and deployed to the commission by a private firm, Truid Limited .

    Truid Limited alleged a breach of license agreement by NIMC. 

    According to E. R. Opara, counsel to Truid Limited, the agreement is premised on an arrangement whereby the Truid Limited funded, developed and deployed tokenization system without any financial obligation from NIMC. 

    He said Truid was to get returns on her investment through patronage of service providers and the proceeds shared on an agreed ratio. This was to run for an initial period of ten years from 2021 when the software was deployed.

    According to the petition, things were going on smoothly until the appointment of the new DG of NIMC who has been trying to truncate the agreement.

    Reacting to the submissions of the counsels of both the petitioners and the respondents, Chairman of the Committee, Mike Etaba frowned at the continuous absence of the NIMC Director General despite several invitations.

    “If she fails to show up at the next hearing of this case, we’ll have no option than to ask the Inspector General of police to bring her. How can an official of government treat constituted authority with such levity? We can no longer condone such attitude”.

  • Requirements for joining Nigeria Customs Service beyond slip generation – Abejide

    Requirements for joining Nigeria Customs Service beyond slip generation – Abejide

    By Ralph Omololu Agbana, Lokoja 

    Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon Leke Abejide, has enjoined applicants of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to look beyond mere slip generated as there are future steps to be taken as required to be recruited. 

    According to the lawmaker, the public enlightenment on requirements for the proposed NCS  recruitment became imperative on his part, following “pressure” from applicants who mistook the generated slip as evidence of automatic qualification. 

     Abejide, in a statement to the 360 Federal Constituencies in the federation on Wednesday explained: “I am compelled to issue this statement to further enlighten Nigerians on the requirements for the proposed Nigeria Customs Service recruitment. This is due to the pressure I have received especially from people outside government around the country; those I know and most people I do not know trying to understand if the slip generated is what they need to be recruited. It is  certainly not, because there are further steps to be undertaken such as examination, fitness and medical examination.

    ” This is based on my experience over the past years. The process is not one step. Your application only indicates your intention to participate in the recruitment process as examination will still be written as aforementioned, and whoever passed shall be invited for further screening. 

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    “Once the modalities of screening and recruiting of candidates are concluded, the management of NCS will make public the steps intending candidates should take in order to participate effectively and I will equally come to the public domain again to further broadcast it for all Nigerians to be fully aware and take the opportunities available. 

    “At the moment, nothing has been agreed upon as regards the modalities. However, please be aware that only applications process and the slip generated is not a guarantee for recruitment but just as evidence to show you have shown intention”.

  • 72-year old America returnee seeks Tinubu’s intervention over seized goods

    72-year old America returnee seeks Tinubu’s intervention over seized goods

    A 72-year-old American returnee, Olukayode David-Albert, has sought the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and concerned authorities over his goods currently in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    He urged the president and relevant authorities to intervene and secure the release of his goods including two vehicles.

    Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, David-Albert stated that as a returnee of almost three decades in the United States, he was saddened by the incident because all his efforts to secure release of his good had been frustrated.

    While narrating his ordeal, he said, “I returned to Nigeria on September 17, 2024 and my container arrived at Lekki, Lagos on October 3, and was discharged on October 3, 2024 but I was told my container could not be located until October 27, 2024. Another news got to me that my container had been taken to Libra Terminal in Ikorodu, thus the commencement of clearing the container was delayed for almost a month.

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    “To my surprise, I was told that if I refused to offer the officers some money, the customs valuation office will not process the required forms for the payment of the duty on my container, and they may eventually claim that my container is not cleared within the statute of limitation and thereby auction my properties.

    “I want to do the right thing, but some people are circumventing it. Their plan is to auction my goods, but they are now trying to punish me now that they are aware that their secret has been leaked.”

    “Most Nigerians abroad are afraid of coming home due to the situation of the country. They prefer to stay out there instead of coming back home to assist the nation.”

  • Customs intercepts 10,970 litres of smuggled petrol in sacks

    Customs intercepts 10,970 litres of smuggled petrol in sacks

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A Operation Whirlwind Unit has intercepted smugglers attempting to ferry over 10,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in sacks by smugglers in Badagry.

    In a statement, the Commander of Operation Whirlwind, Mahmood Bello, said the operation took place on New Year’s Eve.

    Customs operatives, he said, conducted surveillance along the waterside in Badagry, where they intercepted 61 sacks and seven jerry cans of PMS loaded in a large canoe headed for the Benin Republic.

     Bello added that smugglers had revived an old smuggling technique of concealing PMS in sacks. This marked the first time this method was encountered during Operation Whirlwind, as previous seizures had involved PMS transported in jerry- cans.

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    “Recall that the National Coordinator instructed our operatives to intensify efforts during the festive period to prevent smugglers from exploiting the season. On December 31, 2024, our team conducted surveillance along the Badagry waterside and intercepted 61 sacks and seven jerry cans of PMS, all loaded in a large canoe bound for the Benin Republic.

    Each sack, according  to him, “contained 150 litres, translating to a total of 10,970 litres of PMS. The products were evacuated with reinforcement from the Nigerian military stationed at the Badagry Barracks. The operation was highly successful, with no casualties despite resistance from the smugglers.”

    The senior Customs officer added that due to the volatile nature of the seized product, the National Coordinator had ordered its auctioning. The interception highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Customs in curbing smuggling activities along Nigeria’s borders.

  • Customs denounces N76m bribery allegations

    Customs denounces N76m bribery allegations

    The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted allegations made by a 70-year-old US returnee, Olukayode David-Albert, regarding a demand of N76 million to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.

    This is just as the Onne Area 2 Command of the service, Rivers state, said it exceeded its revenue target for 2024 by generating N643 billion during the year.

    In a statement by the TCIP Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Okwara, the NCS described the claims as “unsubstantiated” and urged the returnee to comply with established customs procedures.

    David-Albert had alleged in an online publication that officers at the Tin Can Island Port demanded N76 million as a bribe to facilitate the clearance of his consignment. The publication claimed the amount was requested to settle duty payments on his belongings, which included two vehicles.

    Okwara, however, explained that the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026 permits Nigerian citizens returning from abroad to import personal belongings duty-free, provided they have lived outside Nigeria for at least nine months. However, this exemption explicitly excludes vehicles and goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.

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     “The luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV in Mr David-Albert’s consignment attracts an Import Duty rate of 20 per cent, a levy of 20 per cent, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per cent. The Command determined the appropriate duty value for the two vehicles to be N34,969,374.00, significantly less than the N53.5 million alleged as a ‘compromise’ amount in the publication, Okwara said.

    She made it known that at no point did any officer of the Command request N76 million as alleged, and challenged the complainant to come forward with evidence of such misconduct, including identifying the officer that asked him for such. For necessary actions to be taken

     “It is disheartening that David-Albert has resorted to making unsubstantiated claims in the media rather than complying with established procedures,” Okwara remarked, reiterating the NCS’ commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing customs regulations.

    The Command also reminded the public that similar duty requirements apply in advanced countries, including the United States, where David-Albert previously resided.

     “Attempting to circumvent due process in such jurisdictions would not be entertained,” Okwara noted. The Tin Can Island Port Command urged the returnee to fulfill his duty payment obligations, emphasising that such unverified claims could undermine public trust in the Service.   The Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour while supporting legitimate trade. False allegations will not be tolerated,” Okwara added.

    Meanwhile, the Area Commander, Onne Area 2 Command of the service, Rivers state, Muhammed Babandede,  said the command, which had a revenue target of N618 billion for 2024, generated N643 billion to exceed its target.

    Babandede said that the revenue accounted for about 103 per cent of the 2024 annual target, and that the figure exceeded 2023 target by N321b.

    He said that the command made tremendous achievements in the campaign against smuggling, saying, this earned her an award from the Comptroller-General

     “During the year, the command confiscated a total of 76 containers with duty paid value of more than N150b. The seizure comprised of arms, ammunition, illicit medicines, vegetable oil, foot wares, donkey skin, used cloths among others,” he said.

    The comptroller also said that the command recorded major achievements in agro commodities and solid minerals export. He said that minerals such as luminum ingot, granular urea, orange peel, sesame seeds and wheat brain amounted to more than N1billion export revenue.

     “A recent seizure of 12 containers with duty paid value worth more than N20 million also formed part of the total revenue made in 2024. The seizures were a confirmation of the command’s commitment to trade facilitation, transparency and effective service delivery,” he said.

    Babandede also said that the command recently confisicated no fewer than one million bottles of cough syrup and five hundred thousand bottles of extra diclofenac.

     “Other items we confiscated are sanitary wares and fittings used for concealment of the illicit medicines,” he said. He commended the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi for recognising the command as the best performing in anti-smuggling operations, and described it as a morale booster.

  • Customs arrests 94 suspects, seizes N18b goods

    Customs arrests 94 suspects, seizes N18b goods

    Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ has arrested 94 suspected smugglers and seized goods worth over N18 billion in the last two weeks of the month.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos, its Area Controller, Kola Oladeji, said: “These achievements underscore our determination to protect the  economy and security against illicit cross border trade and movement around our borders.

    “We have been working relentlessly to improve smuggling detection methods, leveraging on intelligence to stay ahead of smugglers and prevent the importation of prohibited and harmful products.

     “The newly inaugurated “Operation Swift Sting” has recorded remarkable success in the fight against illicit cross border trade with smuggling with an impressive arrest in just two weeks.’’

    Through this operation,  he added, “we arrested a significant amount of cannabis sativa, 4,010 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg bags each, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), along with other contraband items’’.

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    He continued: “It is clear that ‘Operation Swift Sting’ is delivering unbearable heat to the smuggling cartel at the same time ensuring facilitation of compliant trade with an impressive outcome.   

    “Ninety-four defendants were arrested in connection with some of the seizures, and six persons have been convicted for various offences.’’

    This, he further said, “demonstrates their quest to bring perpetrators to justice and also ensure deterrence from illicit Trade; 707 seizures worth a total Duty Paid Value of N 18,710,143,801.24 were intercepted from January 2024 till date.

    Prominent among the seizures, the Controller said, “are 48,912 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each,191,975 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 7,861 kg of cannabis sativa; 6,168 pieces of dry donkey skins, 37,630 sachets of Tramadol, 207 units of motor vehicles. Some of which were arrested for short payment of duty and later cleared after payment of outstanding Duty; 6,755 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products; 1,433 bales of used clothes; 1,773 units of used refrigerator compressors and 317 cartons of illicit medicament.’’

    “In addition to the seizures,” he added, “so far, in 2024 we collected revenue through careful documentary checks and issuance of demand notices to consignments that were found to have underpaid customs duty.

    The sum of N1, 012, 783, 437.21 was generated through these efforts. This also underscores the importance of careful monitoring and intelligence at preventing smuggling and ensuring that all imports are properly declared and taxed.

    “Smuggling operations that employ ingenious concealment methods could have significant impact on the Nation’s economy and security if not checked with modern intelligence tools. Hence, the Service is calling on citizens to support its anti-smuggling efforts by providing useful and timely information on illicit cross border trade.

    “In the course of fighting the menace of smuggling, we also raised awareness about its dangers and the importance of complying with Customs regulations. We remain resolute in protecting the nation’s Economy, Security and Health through coordinated synergy with relevant stakeholders.

    He commended security agencies, media practitioners and other stakeholders, and the public for providing timely information, support and advice and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management for their support. “Your effort is making a significant impact,” he added.

  • Customs, WJC seize 2,179kg of pangolin scales

    Customs, WJC seize 2,179kg of pangolin scales

    • One suspect arrested

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command and Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have seized 2,179kg of pangolin scales.

    Kano/Jigawa Customs spokesman, Saidu Nuruddeen, who announced this yesterday, said the recovery was made following the arrest of one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State.

    He said the seizure was made with the support of FOU Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), making it the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS command led by  Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana and WJC this year.

    “This achievement is a testament to the command’s commitment to fighting all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime, while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.

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    “In line with the statutory responsibilities of NCS, under the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale, the success of this operation is attributed to  the ongoing collaboration between the NCS and WJC which has been strong since 2021, and has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures,” Nuruddeen.

    According to him, a total of 21,582kg of pangolin scales have been seized in Nigeria by NCS as a result of the partnership with WJC.

    “Fifty-four per cent of this amount or 11,673.2 kilograms has been seized in 2024 alone, and 4,473.2kg of this is by the NCS Kano/Jigawa command.

    “The perpetrators will be prosecuted accordingly and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network.

    “This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking,” the statement said.