The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has reported a total revenue generation of ₦743,728,652.16 for the month of February 2025, marking a significant stride in curbing revenue leakages and enhancing trade facilitation at the border.

Speaking at his maiden media briefing on Thursday, March 13, 2025, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, highlighted the command’s key achievements since assuming office on February 11, 2025. He emphasized that strategic restructuring within the command has improved operational efficiency, strengthened border security, and fostered robust inter-agency collaborations.

The intensified anti-smuggling operations of the command led to the seizure of contraband goods worth ₦267,054,172.00. Among the intercepted items were 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of codeine syrup (100ml each), 240 kegs of petroleum motor spirit (PMS), 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 56 bales of used clothes, and 203 pieces of used tyres. Oramalugo disclosed that, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration, the seized marijuana had been officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command.

On trade facilitation, the Seme Area Command processed the export of 28,395.293 metric tonnes of produce, which is equivalent to 806 trucks, recording a free on board (FOB) value of ₦7.85 billion ($4.99 million USD). Additionally, the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) generated ₦39.26 million, while total surcharges for the month amounted to ₦2.43 million. Oramalugo reaffirmed the command’s dedication to fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment, aligning with the vision of the comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

During the briefing, the customs chief issued a stern warning to smugglers, stating that smuggling activities would not be tolerated within the Seme border corridor. He emphasized that smuggling is an act of economic sabotage and assured that the Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.

Looking ahead, the Seme Command plans to strengthen its engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhance surveillance and patrol activities, and deploy advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt smuggling networks. Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to the comptroller-general of customs and his management team, security agencies, and the media for their continuous support in ensuring national security and economic development.