A video of a customs officer soliciting ₦5,000 bribe from a passenger at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos has gone viral, sparking outrage and condemnation from the public.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said on Tuesday that it had launched an investigation into the incident and vowed to take appropriate actions against the officer involved.
The Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that the NCS was committed to ensuring full accountability and professionalism.
He said that a preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred at the New Terminal, within the departure hall of MMIA, Lagos, and was captured on video by the passenger who refused to pay the bribe.
“The recording revealed an inappropriate request for ₦5,000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures,” Maiwada said.
He said that the officer implicated was indeed a member of the NCS, 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,” he said.
He added that such behavior was entirely inconsistent with the core values of the service of the NCS, which was resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.
He urged passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly, saying that these reports were crucial in upholding the integrity of the services of Customs and ensuring that officers adhered to the highest ethical standards.
He also stated that the NCS was 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 said.
