Customs Accused of Collusion With Clearing Agents to Shortchange Nigeria
Fresh allegations have emerged against operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), who are being accused of colluding with clearing agents to under-declare revenues accruing to the federal government.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, a coalition of civil society groups raised the alarm at a press conference, alleging that some customs officials deliberately work hand in hand with clearing agents to manipulate import declarations.
The group claims that this practice results in significant revenue loss, undermining the government’s efforts to boost its finances at a time when Nigeria is struggling with economic pressure and rising debt.
The coalition’s leaders, who addressed journalists in Abuja, displayed documents they said were evidence of underhand dealings. They insisted that the fraudulent collaboration involves undervaluing imported goods, granting illegal waivers, and falsifying figures, all of which deprive the treasury of billions of naira monthly.
The activists further called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as well as the National Assembly, to order a thorough probe into the operations of the Nigerian Customs Service. They also demanded that the anti-corruption agencies, particularly the EFCC and ICPC, step in to investigate and prosecute officials found culpable.
At the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Customs Service had not issued any official response to the allegations. However, insiders suggest that the matter is likely to stir a broader debate over transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s import and export processes, a sector long plagued by corruption and inefficiencies.
This latest controversy adds to the mounting pressure on the Customs Service, which has faced recurring criticisms over revenue leakages, extortion at ports, and harassment of traders.
