Nigerian Customs at Tincan Island Command, Lagos, is suspected of having officers collude with smugglers to bypass security checks and shift containers out of the port without thorough examination.

A report by The Tide newspaper in Port Harcourt said that the scam works by first placing containers in position for scanning. Then they are then put in protective custody and moved out "as soon as the coast is clear" as the customs gate and other operational customs staff "are put on notice to make for smooth passage".

The customs area command is accused of reaping NGN100,000 (US$782) per TEU from importers for turning a blind eye.

The Tide newspaper claimed to have learned that the practice of failing to conduct full examinations of the contents of containers has been going on for a long time, despite stringent anti-terrorism measures implemented at seaports worldwide.

The result is a flood of contraband and substandard goods in the Nigeria market, not to mention massive loss in revenue earnings which could potentially have boosted the state's economic growth.