A Nigerian customs official was captured on camera requesting N5,000 from a passenger as a condition for releasing his luggage.

In a video that was shared by an X user on Monday and is currently trending, the customs officer insisted that the passenger must pay N5,000 before being allowed to proceed with his belongings.

Despite the passenger’s willingness to offer only N1,000, he argued that the customs officer had not provided any service to merit the requested amount. The customs official, whose face is visible in the video, persisted, initially demanding N5,000. When the passenger explained that he didn’t have that much money, she reduced the demand to N3,000.

The passenger, however, maintained that he couldn’t afford the sum and offered N1,000 instead, which the customs officer rejected. The passenger clarified that he was transporting foodstuffs and not commercial goods, insisting that he wouldn’t give money.

The officer who didn’t hide her face was heard in the videos saying: “Give me N5,000,” but the passenger replied, “I no get.”

“Okay, bring N3,000,” the customs officer said but the passenger again said he didn’t have the money.

Then she asked: “How much do you have?”

The passenger then gave her N1000 which she rejected.

The passenger is heard saying, “I no carry market, na foodstuffs I carry. I no dey give you money.”

The passenger then turned to another passenger and said in broken English, “I give am N1,000 but she said she would not collect.”

The customs officer is then seen moving the passenger’s luggage to a corner, suggesting she was going to delay him if he refused to offer the amount demanded.

The passenger is overheard shouting, “Mama, where you dey carry the bag go now? Leave am here. Mama, stop I don’t want to be rude here.”

She replied, “Rude ke, rude na, rude. Why are you giving me N1000? You give me N1000, for what?”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service says it has commenced an investigation into the viral video of one of its officers demanding N5000 bribe from a passenger.

In the statement released, the NCS says preliminary investigation revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger.

‘’The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures. We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, 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. Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.” the statement in part reads

The body added that it encourages passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly. It says that these reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of its service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards. The NCS is 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.

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