…Defends recruitment, 846 valuation code
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed allegations of increased smuggling, revenue leakages, recruitment irregularities and manipulation of promotions within the Service, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of its operations and administrative processes.
The Service made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, in response to an investigative report published on August 7, 2026.
The report had alleged that smuggling was worsening along the Seme, Idiroko, Ilaro, Ipokia and Igbeti-Kishi border corridors in Ogun and Oyo states.
It also raised questions about the use of the “846” valuation code for vehicles at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML Area Commands, alleging that weaknesses in the process were being used to under-declare the value of imported vehicles and reduce Customs duties. However, the NCS said the allegations did not reflect the reality of its enforcement activities.
Maiwada said Customs was regularly carrying out seizures and other enforcement operations along the affected routes, adding that the Service’s responsibility was to reduce smuggling rather than claim that the illegal trade could be completely eliminated.
“Our responsibility is to reduce smuggling to the barest minimum, not to claim that it can be completely eradicated,” he said.
On the 846 valuation code, the Service explained that it was not a loophole created to facilitate revenue losses but a digital tool designed for vehicles with unusual or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
According to the NCS, the code covers specialised heavy equipment, classic vehicles, customised vehicles and other vehicles whose identification details cannot be processed through the standard valuation system.
“The 846 code is an established digital valuation code within the Customs portal, specifically designated for vehicles with non-standard or non-compliant Vehicle Identification Numbers,” Maiwada said.
The Service said vehicles with standard VINs were valued automatically through manufacturer-linked databases.
Applications involving the 846 code, it added, were subjected to additional checks and required approval by valuation officers and Area Controllers.
Customs further explained that where post-clearance audits uncover discrepancies, the affected importers could be issued Demand Notices to recover under-collected duties.
It said sanctions could also be imposed on operators found to have violated Customs regulations.
The Service maintained that revenue collection at major ports had reached historic levels under the current digital system, rejecting suggestions that the valuation process was being deliberately manipulated to deprive the government of revenue.
The NCS also rejected claims that the recent recruitment of Assistant Superintendents of Customs II (ASC II) was conducted without the required approval.
It said the exercise, covering applications, computer-based testing, physical screening and final selection, was carried out under the supervision and authorisation of the Nigeria Customs Service Board.
According to the Service, the recruitment followed the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as guidelines issued by the Federal Character Commission.
Successful applicants, it said, were given provisional offers subject to medical verification, background checks and formal acceptance.
The Service also denied allegations that promotions and succession arrangements were being manipulated to favour particular officers.
It explained that career progression within Customs was governed by established public service rules and the NCS Act 2023.
Promotion, according to the Service, is based on seniority, performance in promotion examinations and the availability of vacancies.
It said personal preferences or individual relationships had no place in the process.
The NCS further explained that official training programmes and international exposure for its officers were funded through approved government budgets or formal technical assistance arrangements with development and international partners, including the World Customs Organisation.
Concluding its response, the Service said it remained committed to protecting government revenue and maintaining discipline among its officers.
“The management maintains a firm, intolerant posture toward corruption, revenue leakage or administrative misconduct,” the Service stated.
The Customs clarification comes amid growing public attention on smuggling, revenue collection and the transparency of import valuation processes, particularly as the Federal Government continues to rely heavily on improved non-oil revenue to finance its programmes.
(The Sun)