The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has issued a stern warning to importers and clearing agents against submitting false declarations during importation processes. The customs authority emphasized that such dishonest practices will no longer be tolerated as the unit plans to intensify its intelligence-driven operations to combat smuggling and illicit trade.
Speaking on Thursday during a visit by members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) at the Ikeja headquarters in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of Zone A, Mohammed Shuaibu, highlighted a strategic shift in operational tactics. According to Shuaibu, the unit is moving away from traditional blanket container inspections on highways, towards precision-targeted interventions based on actionable intelligence.
Shuaibu explained that this strategic adjustment aims to eradicate indiscriminate stops of containers, which often delay legitimate trade and increase logistical costs for importers. Instead, the unit will rely on intelligence and data analytics to identify high-risk consignments for inspection and seizure of contraband.
“What we are trying to do is to ensure that we don’t just stop any kind of containers unnecessarily,” Shuaibu said. “Even those random checkpoints you see with officers roving around will be phased out. We want to focus our efforts where there is clear information about illicit activities.”
The Customs Area Controller further pledged that soon, the unit would publicly showcase recent seizures and arrests made during these intelligence-led operations to reinforce transparency and demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach.
In a direct appeal to importers and their clearing agents, Shuaibu urged greater honesty in the declaration of imported goods. False declarations, he warned, undermine the ease of doing business and could result in severe penalties or seizure of goods.
“If you see customs officers stationed at strategic locations, it is because of specific intelligence regarding insincere declarants or importers,” he noted. “We will continue to track and apprehend those who attempt to evade customs duties or bring prohibited items into the country.”
The Area Controller emphasized that these measures are not aimed at harassing traders but ensuring compliance and protecting the Nigerian economy from harmful and illegal products.
Shuaibu also revealed that the Ikeja Customs command is actively collaborating with other government agencies to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate trade. One notable partnership includes recent joint operations with the Nigerian Army to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
“Collaboration and synergy among agencies are crucial to tackling smuggling effectively,” he said. “We will continue to build on previous successes and engage all stakeholders to create a secure and business-friendly environment.”
The leadership of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) commended the Ikeja Customs command for its commitment to safeguarding the economy. Moses Ebosele, President of SCAN, applauded the unit’s focus on intelligence-led enforcement, which balances trade facilitation with anti-smuggling efforts.
“We recognize the challenging role Customs plays in protecting our ports and borders while ensuring smooth trade flow,” Ebosele said. “Their dedication is critical in securing revenue and maintaining trust among importers and stakeholders.”
Smuggling remains a significant challenge for Nigeria’s economy, with illicit goods entering through major ports and land borders, undermining government revenue and the growth of local industries. False declaration of imported goods is a common tactic used to evade customs duties and regulations.
The Nigeria Customs Service has over the years introduced several reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and enforcement. The adoption of technology, risk management, and intelligence-led operations are key pillars of the current anti-smuggling strategy.
According to recent reports, the Ikeja Customs command has recorded substantial seizures of prohibited items, including counterfeit products, narcotics, and undeclared goods. These efforts contribute to Nigeria’s broader goal of securing its borders, protecting consumers, and enhancing the ease of doing business in line with government economic policies.
The new customs approach is expected to reduce unnecessary delays and costs for compliant importers, thereby improving the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in global markets. By focusing inspections on high-risk shipments identified through intelligence, Customs aims to streamline clearance processes and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Importers are encouraged to ensure full compliance with customs regulations and to engage reputable clearing agents to avoid penalties associated with false declarations.
As the Nigeria Customs Service intensifies its intelligence-driven operations, importers and other stakeholders are advised to maintain transparency and uphold ethical standards in trade practices. The Customs command remains committed to balancing trade facilitation with robust enforcement to protect national interests and foster sustainable economic growth.