The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service came alive on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, as Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, formally launched the second edition of his book, *Customs Administration in Nigeria*, a scholarly work aimed at deepening understanding and improving practices within Nigeria’s customs system.
Speaking during the launch, Comptroller Oramalugo noted that the book is a product of years of professional experience, research, and policy engagement, reflecting the evolving role of Customs in national security, trade facilitation, and digital transformation. He described the publication as a practical guide tailored to help stakeholders navigate the complexities of customs operations.
“The dynamism of global trade, the rise of digital customs, and the expanding responsibilities of the service all require intellectual and practical responses,” Oramalugo said. “This book offers insights for officers, policymakers, academics, and students to understand and reform customs administration in Nigeria and similar jurisdictions.”
He underscored the importance of intellectual development in driving institutional excellence, encouraging officers to adopt continuous learning as a core part of their professional journey. “A knowledgeable officer is a more effective officer. A disciplined mind is a catalyst for institutional growth,” he added.
The event drew dignitaries and top officials from various security and regulatory agencies operating at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post. These included Comptrollers from Immigration, Land Border Patrol, Directors from the Department of State Services (DSS), NAFDAC, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), as well as representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Anti-Bomb Unit of the Nigeria Police, and Port Health Services.
In their goodwill messages, several agency heads commended Comptroller Oramalugo for his intellectual initiative and professionalism, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service is undergoing a positive transformation under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
Oramalugo expressed gratitude to all contributors, editors, and reviewers who made the publication a success. He also acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General and the Customs management team for promoting a culture of discipline, reform, and knowledge-driven service.
The newly released edition is expected to serve as a key resource for professionals, researchers, and students involved in customs, trade, and border governance across Nigeria and the wider West African region.