Viral video prompts Customs to launch investigation into officer’s bribe request

The Nigeria Customs Service claims to have started a thorough investigation into the officer who was shown in a widely shared video asking for a bribe of N5,000 at the New Terminal in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwad, denounced the unprofessional behaviour in a statement in response to the event and promised to take appropriate disciplinary measures against the officer following a thorough investigation.

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He asked the public and travellers to report any wrongdoing or corruption right away.

The Nigeria Customs Service is actively looking into an incident at Lagos’s Murtala Mohammed International Airport when a traveller was seen offering an official a bribe of N5,000. The public is concerned about this activity, and we are determined to ensure that everyone is held fully accountable.

According to the preliminary inquiry, the event happened at the New Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and the passenger who was engaged recorded it on camera. An improper request for N5,000 in exchange for quick customs processing is heard on the recording.

“We would like to verify that the accused officer is, in fact, an official of the Nigeria Customs Service, duly assigned to the Area Command of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

“The NCS is committed to maintaining the greatest levels of professionalism and vehemently denounces this unethical conduct. Appropriate steps will be taken when a thorough investigation into the occurrence has been conducted.

Such actions are wholly at odds with the fundamental principles of our organisation, and we are committed to upholding an open and responsible customs process.

“We urge the public and travellers to report any misbehaviour or corruption as soon as possible. These reports play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of our service and guaranteeing that police follow the strictest moral guidelines. The NCS is steadfast in its dedication to promoting an accountable and transparent culture. The public will be informed as quickly as feasible of the investigation’s findings, the statement said.