The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated an investigation into a female officer who was captured on video demanding a bribe of N5,000 from a passenger at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to reports, the officer insisted on receiving the full amount, while the passenger offered only N1,000. This incident has raised concerns among the public, prompting the NCS to take immediate action.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and assured that a thorough investigation is underway. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring full accountability for such behavior.
Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred within the departure hall of the airport’s new terminal. The passenger involved in the incident managed to capture the interaction on video, which clearly shows the officer making an inappropriate request for ₦5,000 in exchange for expediting customs procedures.
The NCS is taking this matter seriously and intends to address it promptly. Such incidents undermine public trust and tarnish the reputation of the NCS. The agency is determined to uphold its integrity and ensure that officers adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
The investigation will involve a comprehensive review of the evidence, including the video footage and statements from all parties involved. The NCS will take appropriate disciplinary action if any wrongdoing is established.
The NCS recognizes the importance of maintaining public confidence in its operations. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards are fundamental principles that guide the agency’s work. Incidents like this will not be tolerated, and necessary measures will be taken to prevent their recurrence in the future.
The NCS encourages members of the public to report any acts of misconduct or corruption by its officers. By doing so, individuals can contribute to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within the organization.
The NCS remains committed to its mandate of facilitating legitimate trade, protecting the nation’s borders, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. Through rigorous internal controls and continuous improvement, the agency will strive to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integ
“The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5,000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures,” he confirmed.
The statement read further: “We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command.
“The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.
“Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.
“We encourage passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly. These reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of our service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards.”
The PRO assured that the NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
“The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity,” he stated.
