The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the leadership of Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has recorded an unprecedented 182% increase in revenue generation, soaring from ₦531,462,332.45 in August 2025 to ₦1,500,029,233.88 in September 2025.
This remarkable performance, Comptroller Adenuga said, reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ reform agenda, anchored on compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring.
“This outstanding performance demonstrates the dedication of our officers and men who continue to embody the CGC’s vision of a modern, efficient, and accountable Customs Service,” Adenuga stated.
Zero Tolerance for Smuggling
The Command’s impressive revenue growth was matched by a firm crackdown on smuggling. Comptroller Adenuga reiterated that the Command maintains a zero-tolerance stance on smuggling to safeguard national security, public health, and economic stability.
During a media briefing at the Command headquarters, he showcased a series of high-profile seizures achieved through credible intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.
Major Seizures Recorded
Among the notable interceptions were:
- Five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,210,300,000.00, in a joint operation with NAFDAC.
- 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) seized through actionable intelligence.
- 120 packs of Tramadol (120mg) with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, Seme Command, on October 7, 2025.
- 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each).
- 150 bales of second-hand clothing.
- 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine.
- Five used vehicles.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period stood at ₦1,999,093,429.00.
Adenuga warned that the health implications of consuming expired or illicit products could lead to food poisoning, infections, and long-term health complications, while emphasizing that smuggling remains an economic sabotage.
“Any resource diverted into smuggling is a colossal waste,” he cautioned. “It’s better to channel such energy into legitimate businesses that can empower SMEs and create jobs.”
Commendation for the Nigerian Navy
The Customs boss commended the Nigerian Navy for its collaboration in the anti-smuggling campaign, particularly the Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, which has repeatedly handed over intercepted rice and contraband goods from the waterways.
“We appreciate the Navy’s sincerity of purpose. Their partnership underscores our shared commitment to national security and economic stability,” he added.
Boost for Export Trade
In alignment with the Federal Government’s non-oil export diversification drive, the Command facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods valued at ₦7,969,376,198.78 (FOB value), generating ₦39,868,354.42 in Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees.
These exports — comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods — reflect growing exporter confidence in the Seme Command as a vital trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
Stakeholder Collaboration
Reinforcing the CGC’s policy of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, the Command hosted two major stakeholders’ engagements on October 6–7, 2025.
The first brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and key trade stakeholders to address multiple checkpoints, extortion, and trade bottlenecks along the Seme–Krake corridor. The second meeting involved Benin Republic Customs officials, business leaders, and licensed agents, promoting regional trade harmonization along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
Commitment to Excellence
Comptroller Adenuga reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain the balance between Revenue Generation, Trade Facilitation, and National Security.
“We shall continue to enhance operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder engagement, and intelligence-driven operations. Together, we are building a smarter, safer, and more prosperous border corridor in alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint,” he concluded.
