The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has witnessed a seamless transition in leadership as Comptroller Wale Adenuga officially took over as Customs Area Controller (CAC), pledging to strengthen trade facilitation and transform the Seme Border into a model of national pride.
The handover ceremony, held at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, brought together senior officers from sister security agencies, key stakeholders in trade and transport, community leaders, and media representatives.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Adenuga commended his predecessor, ACG Oramalugo, for a legacy of operational excellence and affirmed his commitment to build upon those achievements. He declared trade facilitation as the cornerstone of his administration.
“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” he said. “When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will leave Customs control within the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we have.”
Comptroller Adenuga emphasized inter-agency collaboration as vital to improving security and ensuring a more business-friendly environment. He pledged active cooperation with the DSS, Nigeria Police, Immigration Service, NDLEA, the Nigerian Military, NAFDAC, and other agencies.
He also extended a hand of partnership to traditional rulers, youths in the Badagry axis, and the media, assuring stakeholders that his doors would remain open. He further vowed to lead by example, uphold discipline, and ensure that officers maintain integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Referencing the historic elevation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, who currently serves as President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Adenuga underscored the need for all personnel to rise to the occasion and deliver performance that makes Nigeria proud.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Area Controller, ACG Oramalugo, expressed gratitude for his tenure, highlighting key accomplishments including significant seizures of contraband, enhanced revenue collection, improved trade facilitation, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration.
“It is a day of mixed emotions,” he said. “While I am grateful for my promotion and the support I received, I will miss the strong bonds built here.”
The event concluded with goodwill messages from representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, FRSC, Nigeria Shippers Council, and other stakeholders, who unanimously pledged support to Comptroller Adenuga’s administration.
Together, the agencies reaffirmed their commitment to work in synergy to boost revenue, curb smuggling, and promote seamless trade along the strategic Seme corridor.