The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate alleged smuggling activities involving personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by Oluwaseun Whingan, the representative for Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State.
Whingan drew attention to an incident earlier this month in Badagry, where a journalist was assaulted while attempting to record video footage of activities at a location known as a “smuggling zone.”
The lawmaker raised concerns over the conduct of Customs officers and called for a review of the NCS’s legal framework and the activities of its officers during operations.
The motion has been referred to the Committee on Customs and Excise for further investigation.
In a separate development, a bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, passed its second reading.
Sponsored by Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode of Lagos Island, the bill seeks to mandate counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences.
Kayode explained that the proposed amendments to Section 67 of the Act would require judges and magistrates to impose counselling and training, alongside imprisonment or fines.
He highlighted the link between mental disposition and the accumulation of illicit wealth, emphasising the need for rehabilitative measures for corruption convicts.
