Renowned Nigerian activist and social media critique, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has launched a scathing attack on the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), accusing the agency of exploiting the masses through exorbitant and unfair charges.
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In a recent outburst on his social media platforms, VeryDarkMan revealed what he described as “secret activities” within the agency, alleging that Customs officials are extorting citizens by charging them in dollars at black market rates to clear goods, further compounding the financial burdens on Nigerians.
According to VeryDarkMan, the NCS has been arbitrarily raising customs clearance fees under the pretext that the value of the dollar will continue to rise.
This, he argues, has led to inflated charges that disproportionately impact small-scale traders and ordinary citizens already struggling with inflation and the harsh economic realities in the country.
"The Nigerian Customs Service is worsening the plight of the poor masses amidst inflation and economic hardship," he lamented, highlighting how these actions are pushing many Nigerians deeper into financial distress.
VeryDarkMan did not stop at merely criticizing the customs officials; he issued a direct call to Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, demanding an explanation for what he described as rampant exploitation. He called on the Customs boss to justify why Nigerians are being subjected to such punitive fees and why the agency is allegedly using the volatile black market exchange rate to determine clearance costs.
In his statement, VeryDarkMan threatened to expose more of the agency’s questionable practices if the situation remains unaddressed, adding a layer of urgency to his claims. His threat has sparked a wave of attention from the public, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments on the unfair customs charges that have contributed to rising costs of goods and services.
The outcry comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant economic challenges, including the recent removal of fuel subsidies, skyrocketing inflation, and a weakened naira. For many, VeryDarkMan’s revelations are seen as shedding light on the systemic issues within government agencies that continue to exacerbate the country’s economic woes.
While the controversy unfolds, the Nigerian Customs Service is yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations. However, the public is eagerly awaiting a response from the Comptroller General, hoping for a resolution that will ease the financial burden on the masses.
