Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS has launched a full scale probe into two separate viral videos trending on various social media platforms involving an officer of the service at the Car Park C Terminal of the Tin Can Island command in Lagos. The first video captured an incident in which the officer was subjected to what seemed like an embarrassment and hostility. In contrast, the second showed a scenario in which agents warmly received the same officer.

A statement by National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs

Abdullahi Maiwada on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, said the Service has constituted a probe panel drawn from the Customs Police Unit to unravel the circumstances surrounding the two videos.

While assuring that anyone found wanting after the probe would be visited with the full weight of the law whether an officer or agent in line with the relevant sections of the Customs Act 2023, noting that the panel has been mandated to interview and interact with stakeholders.

The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Customs Service is aware of two separate videos circulating on social media involving one of its officers and clearing agents at Car Park C Terminal under the Tin Can Island Port Area Command. The first video captures an incident in which the officer was subjected to what seems like an embarrassment and hostility. In contrast, the second shows a contrasting scenario in which agents warmly received the same officer.

“It is pertinent to note that the NCS takes these incidents very seriously. Following standard protocol, the service has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both videos. To ensure impartiality and thoroughness, the Customs Police Unit has been saddled to review the videos, gather statements from the officer in question, and engage relevant stakeholders associated with these incidents.

“In line with the NCS Act 2023 Section 30, the NCS upholds its commitment to a transparent and accountable process. It is important to note that any individual found to be in contravention of NCS regulations—including clearing agents, officers, or other involved parties—will be held accountable under the law and appropriate measures pursued to serve as a deterrent.

“The NCS management, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, wishes to assure the general public, stakeholders, and the business community that appropriate action will be taken in response to the investigation’s findings. He urges all parties operating within the port community to conduct their activities responsibly and in line with the principles of respect and professionalism.

” The NCS is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for legitimate trade and commerce to thrive across all its formations.