According to the petitioners, Nigerians deserve to know when the next recruitment exercise will take place and what measures will be implemented to ensure integrity and meritocracy.
At least eight people have signed a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices & other related offences Commission (ICPC) against alleged corruption and complicity in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The petitioners led by Ojediran Samuel, said that the revelations brought forth by the Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ) regarding the illicit activities of customs officers demand urgent investigation and decisive action.
Amongst other demands, the petitioners demanded transparency in the recruitment process of the NCS, saying that the extravagant wealth displayed by some customs officers, including the ownership of luxurious hotels in smuggling zones, raises suspicions about the source of their income.
According to the petitioners, Nigerians deserve to know when the next recruitment exercise will take place and what measures will be implemented to ensure integrity and meritocracy.
On recruitment transparency, the petitioners said, “We demand transparency in the recruitment process of the Nigeria Customs Service. The extravagant wealth displayed by some customs officers, including the ownership of luxurious hotels in smuggling zones, raises suspicions about the source of their income.
“Nigerians deserve to know when the next recruitment exercise will take place and what measures will be implemented to ensure integrity and meritocracy.”
On protection of whistleblowers, they said, “The alarming reports of customs officers betraying informants and colluding with smugglers highlight a grave threat to the safety of whistle-blowers.
“We urge the Nigeria Customs Service to establish robust mechanisms to protect individuals who come forward with information about smuggling activities, without fear of reprisal or endangerment.”
On rice smuggling and border policies, the petitioners said that “The apparent correlation between rice warehousing by customs officers' wives and the prevalence of rice smuggling demands investigation.
“The current border closure and ban on poultry imports only serve to enrich smugglers and corrupt officials while burdening consumers and hindering legitimate businesses.
“We call upon President Bola Tinubu to reconsider these policies and prioritize strategies that promote economic growth and fair trade practices.”
On arms smuggling, they said that “The recent interception of arms and ammunition by the Nigeria Customs Service raises serious questions about the effectiveness of border security measures.
“We demand transparency regarding the origin, destination, and individuals involved in such criminal activities. Swift and thorough investigations must be conducted to hold accountable those responsible for smuggling weapons into the country.”
Also on unexplained wealth and laundering, they said that “The conspicuous wealth displayed by customs officers, including ownership of hotels and other businesses in smuggling areas, warrants scrutiny.
“We call for a thorough investigation into the sources of their income and the potential involvement of customs officers in money laundering activities.”
For bribery and misreporting of seized goods, the petitioners said that “The practice of customs officers accepting bribes to facilitate smuggling and misreporting seized goods undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“We demand accountability and transparency in all enforcement actions, including accurate reporting of seized contraband and prosecution of officers involved in corrupt practices.”
On justice for victims, they noted that “The tragic murders of informants who sought to combat smuggling must not go unpunished.
“We urge the Nigeria Customs Service to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for these heinous crimes.”
“We implore the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch comprehensive investigations into the allegations raised against the Nigeria Customs Service.
“The integrity of our borders and the safety of our citizens depend on swift and decisive action to combat corruption and criminality within the customs agency,” they added.
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