Intercepted Cars and Other Items: What Does Nigerian Customs Really Do with Seized Goods?

  • The Nigerian Customs Service has clarified its official stance on the handling of seized goods, dispelling widespread rumours of internal distribution
  • Goods intercepted at the borders undergo a rigorous process of registration, investigation, and either destruction or auction
  • All proceeds from auctions are remitted directly into the federation account, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to transparency and federal compliance

The Nigerian Customs Service has outlined its official procedures, emphasising strict adherence to federal regulations.

Officials stated that the agency does not distribute confiscated items among its personnel, contrary to widespread rumours. Instead, the Customs Service operates under the directives of the Federal Government, enforcing import restrictions and ensuring compliance with national trade laws.

Intercepted Cars and Other Items: What Does Nigerian Customs Really Do with Seized Goods?
Source: Twitter

“The Nigerians Customs do not share seized goods among themselves. The Nigerians Customs only implements laws set by the federal government. So when FG says certains goods are not allowed to come into Nigeria, our duty is to make sure that’s what happens,” the agency explained.

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Goods intercepted are registered and investigated

According to the Customs Service, once prohibited goods are intercepted, they are immediately transported to the nearest customs office for official registration. This initial step marks the beginning of a formal investigation to determine whether the items were smuggled into the country.

If the investigation confirms that the goods were illegally imported, they are formally seized and handed over to the Federal Government. The process is designed to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage.

Federal warehouses and disposal of seized goods

Following condemnation, the seized goods are stored in government-owned warehouses under the supervision of designated warehouse officers. The fate of these goods depends on their nature and condition.

Perishable items may be destroyed to prevent health hazards, while non-perishable goods are typically auctioned through the official e-auction platform managed by the Nigerian Customs Service. The agency confirmed that all proceeds from these auctions are deposited directly into the federation account.

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“Firstly, we seize goods not allowed into Nigeria… The goods maybe destroyed if perishable or auctioned via the official e-auction platform. All proceeds go into the federation account,” the statement added.

Customs reaffirms commitment to transparency

The Nigerian Customs Service reiterated its commitment to enforcing trade laws and maintaining transparency in its operations.

By following a structured process, from interception to investigation, condemnation, and disposal, the agency aims to uphold public trust and ensure that all actions are in line with federal mandates.

Customs explains what 286,697 applicants must do next

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, September 10, announced that 286,697 applicants have been shortlisted to participate in the second phase of its ongoing recruitment exercise.

The exercise, which began with an advertisement in national dailies on December 27, 2024, is aimed at filling 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday by the national public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS said the next stage will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled for September 14–21, 2025. According to the NCS update, the test will be conducted online, reflecting what the service described as its “commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness.”

Source: Legit.ng



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