In a significant move against corruption, officers of the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have rejected a bribe of over N80 million ($50,300) offered to allow a controlled medication to pass Customs clearance.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, mni, disclosed this in Lagos while handing over the bribe money to Lagos Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Michael Wetkas. The bribe was offered to compromise the customs officers and allow the passage of Tramadol, falsely declared as electrical appliances valued at over N856 million.
Comptroller Nnadi reiterated the zero tolerance for corruption stance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. He commended the officers who stood their ground to work ethically and lawfully in the interest of national security, in clear adherence to Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCAA) 2023.
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Two suspects connected with the illicit drugs are currently under investigation by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration, and Control for possible prosecution.
Mr. Michael Wetkas, while taking over the cash, described the feat as a victory for the country and all the security agencies. He specifically celebrated the officers of the NCS that achieved it and lauded the Comptroller General for the letter of commendation in appreciation of the six customs officers who refused to bow to pressure and inducement from the owners of the illicit drugs.
Wetkas promised continued collaboration between the EFCC, NCS, and sister agencies, emphasizing that the era of working without collaboration is gone as the agencies now work closer.