Proactive Measures At Customs Seme Command Yielding Results - Controller

*Facilitates over N7bn export

*Generates over N743m in February

The Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo has said that the measures put in place at ensuring productivity are yielding positive results.

He expressed this while briefing the press on Thursday March 13, 2025 on successes recorded by the command.

"The proactive measures we have implemented in fostering collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency, boosting revenue generation, and intensifying anti-smuggling efforts are already yielding tangible results. 

"We remain committed to sustaining these efforts to ensure even greater service delivery in the months ahead.I would like to express my sincere appreciation to:The Comptroller-General of Customs, and his Management Team for their unwavering support by providing equipment in carrying out our mandate," he said.

According to him, he thanked their security and inter-agency partners for their collaboration as well as the media for their role in disseminating their activities to the general public, leading to success recorded.

"I welcome you to the Conference Hall of the Joint Border Post here in the ECOWAS complex, Seme- Krake Border on the occasion of our maiden media briefing. 

"This briefing is intended to provide an overview of our operational activities since my assumption of office on the 11 February 2025. Since taking over as the Area Controller, the Command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration," he said. 

According to him, these efforts align with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who has emphasized synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and strengthen border security. inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement

"Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving our objectives, I have engaged with key stakeholders, including Traditional Rulers and Security Agencies to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.

"These engagements have facilitated improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, reinforcing our commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling. Our mission at Seme Area Command extends beyond revenue collection—it encompasses national security and economic growth, which are best achieved through strong institutional partnerships," he said.

Dr. Oramalugo explained that to enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance, the Command has undertaken critical restructuring of key sections. 

"This has led to strategic redeployment of officers for better vigilance and proactive border security operations and Increased accountability and improved revenue collection.I am pleased to report that these reforms have already yielded positive results," he inforned.

He therefore, disclosed that as part of its core mandate of revenue generation, the Seme Area Command has generated a total revenue of seven hundred and forty-three million, seven hundred and twenty-eight thousand, six hundred and fifty-two Naira and sixteen Kobo (₦743,728,652.16k) only for the month of February 2025. 

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"This remarkable achievement underscores our commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.

"The Command facilitated a total of over twenty-eight thousand metric tonnes (28,395.293) equivalent to eight hundred and six (806) trucks of export produce for the month of February 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of seven billion, eight hundred and fifty-two million, one hundred and seventy-two thousand, two hundred and forty-nine Naira (N 7,852,172,249.00k) only, which is equivalent to four million, nine hundred and ninety-five thousand, five hundred and twenty-seven Dollars, seventy-eight Cents (4,995,527.78 USD) only.

"The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was thirty-nine million, two hundred and sixty thousand, eight hundred and sixty-one Naira, twenty-five Kobo (N 39, 260, 861.25k) only.

 "The total surcharge during the month of February is two million, four hundred and thirty-three thousand, four hundred and thirty-three Naira (N 2, 433, 433.00k) only," he disclosed.

He assured that the Command will leverage on the trade facilitation initiatives to foster a more efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.

On anti-smuggling operations, he informed that their intensified  operations have led to the interception of several prohibited items. 

"The Command within the period under review, has seized the following items; four hundred and forty-four (444) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), one hundred and eighty-one (181) packs of Tramadol, six hundred (600) bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and two hundred and forty (240) kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

"Others are; one thousand, eight hundred and nine (1,809) bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), seventeen (17) sacks of used shoes, fifty-six (56) bales of used clothes and two hundred and three (203) pieces of used tyres.

*The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures is two hundred and sixty-seven million, fifty-four thousand, one hundred and seventy-two Naira (N267,054,172.00k) only," he said.

Speaking further, he explained that the seizures, which contravene relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCSA 23), reaffirms their  commitment to suppressing smuggling within the Seme border corridor.

"Furthermore, with the approval of the CGC, the seized Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) as you witness has been handed over to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration," he pointed out.

He stressed that the achievements of the Seme Area Command within this short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his NCS Management Team, the dedication and professionalism of our officers, the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration as well as stakeholder engagement.

"While we have recorded significant strides, we remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhancing surveillance and patrol activities to eliminate smuggling operations as well as deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks," he added.

He therefore, sounded a note of warning to smugglers.

"Let me use this opportunity to warn smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. Smuggling is an act of economic sabotage, and the Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.I strongly advise all individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine our country’s economy". He warned.