Seme Area Command Generates Historic N15,598BN Revenue in 2025, Reduces Checkpoint's to 2 Locations

Seme Area Command Generates Historic N15,598BN Revenue in 2025, Reduces Checkpoint's to 2 Locations 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command has recorded unprecedented revenue milestones in 2025, achieving its highest-ever monthly and annual collections since inception.

In December 2025, the Command generated a historic Three Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety Naira (₦3,628,485,590.00); the highest monthly revenue on record. This record is attributed to the effective rollout of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which improves the Command's coordination and trade facilitation for stakeholders. 

 From January to December 2025, the Command generated the  total  of Fifteen Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira (₦15,598,945,794.00k) only, marking a remarkable 117% increase over the ₦7,166,576,397.49 recorded in 2024.

On 11 November 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association, COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, featuring an empowerment programme that distributed industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants to members of the COWA Seme Chapter. On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR PhD launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, delivering essential healthcare to over 1,000 beneficiaries, alongside a tree-planting exercise for environmental sustainability.

In a press release issued by the Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command, Tunde Ayagbalo, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Adewale Adenuga stated that in alignment with the Comptroller-General’s directive,  the command has successfully reduced checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to the Two (2) locations approved by the Federal Government, significantly easing legitimate trade, minimising delays and contributing to the Command’s outstanding revenue performance.

The Command also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, seizing in December 2025;  685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg) an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug,  through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.

Comptroller Adenuga warn smugglers that the Seme borders are no longer safe for illicit activities. With advanced intelligence, technology and unwavering vigilance, the Officers/men of the Command will intercept and prosecute offenders. He advised Smugglers to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.

Conversely, legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders are assured of a safe, conducive and efficiently facilitated Seme corridor, with seamless processes and reduced delays to support genuine cross-border commerce and economic growth.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR Phd and the Management for their steadfast support and leadership. He also thanked the Command’s officers and men, stakeholders, sister agencies, military and paramilitary forces, the media, traditional and community leaders for their invaluable contributions, while pledging even greater achievements in 2026.

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SEME AREA COMMAND CELEBRATES 66 NEWLY PROMOTED SENIOR OFFICERS

SEME AREA COMMAND CELEBRATES  66 NEWLY PROMOTED SENIOR OFFICERS

...This promotion comes with humility. It is not a license for pride but a call to greater service. Carry your junior colleagues along, celebrate with one another, and let us make Seme Area Command the pride of the Service - Comptroller Adenuga

Bisi Akingbade 

Seme Area Command  of the  Nigeria Customs Service,NCS, has recognized 66 officers of its command who were recently promoted  by the Nigeria Customs Service Board, NSCB, at its 63rd Regular Meeting in Abuja, at the ECOWAS Complex, Joint Border Post, JBP, Seme-Krake.

According to the press release made available for journalists by Chief Superintendent of Customs

Public Relations Officer, I Sulaiman, stated that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga said that promotions come with both honour and responsibility. “This promotion comes with humility. It is not a license for pride but a call to greater service. Carry your junior colleagues along, celebrate with one another, and let us make Seme Area Command the pride of the Service,” he charged.

The CAC praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team for their tireless efforts in ensuring a fair and transparent promotion exercise.

Comptroller Adenuga emphasized that the Command is committed to supporting the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc, whose leadership mantra is trade facilitation. He added that Seme Command will continue stakeholder engagements to ensure the border remains the pride of the Service and the best in the West African sub-region.

Speaking on behalf of the decorated officers, CSC Oreyeni Olufemi expressed gratitude to the CGC, the CAC, senior officers, families, and colleagues. He pledged that the officers would justify the confidence reposed in them and continue to contribute to the success of the Service.

The event was graced by Heads of the Sister Security agencies at the JBP, including Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Port Health Service, NAQS, EOD/Anti-Bomb Unit as well as family members and stakeholders.

 

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Comptr. Oramalugo Tutors On Core Mandates of NCS at RUIMUN

Comptr. Oramalugo Tutors On Core Mandates of NCS at RUIMUN

CAC SEME AREA COMMAND, COMPTR. BEN ORAMALUGO 

Bisi Akingbade 

The Customs Area Controller, CAC, Seme Area  Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, has addressed participants at the 5th Session of  Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference,  RUIMUN, as a distinguished speaker slated for 3rd to 6th March 2025.

The conference with the theme "Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,"  provided a platform for insightful discussions on global development and nation-building.

In his address, Comptroller Oramalugo highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, in national development, emphasizing trade facilitation, revenue generation, Anti-smuggling activities and  National security. He spoke passionately about the importance of integrity, patriotism, and the detrimental effects of smuggling on the economy and society.

He also highlighted key Insights from Economic Impact of Smuggling, stressing  the need to support local industries, citing Nigeria’s status as a leading rice producer yet facing challenges in local patronage. “When we fail to buy local rice, we kill our factories,” he remarked. He also warned about the dangers of smuggled fake drugs, second hand clothing, used tyres and other un-customs goods which pose severe health and safety risks.

Comptroller Oramalugo outlined three core mandates of Nigeria Customs  Service in Nation-Building, which includes:- Trade Facilitation- Simplifying customs processes to enhance legitimate trade and economic growth, Revenue Generation: Contributing significantly to national revenue, with NCS generating over ₦6 trillion last year and Anti-smuggling and National Security: Preventing the entry of prohibited and harmful goods while collaborating with other agencies to safeguard the nation.

On Global Standards & Best Practice, he referenced the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions, emphasizing their role in enhancing customs integrity, harmonizing procedures, and combating illicit activities.

During an interview at the event, Comptroller Oramalugo praised the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing him as "the best CGC in Africa." He commended the CGC’s numerous achievements and recognition, including "Outstanding Revenue Collection" Award by the Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the recent Sun Newspaper’s "Best Public Servant of the Year" award.

Comptroller Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders and enlighten them on the vital contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to national progress.

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COMPTROLLER ORAMALUGO VISITS TRADITIONAL LEADERS, SECURITY AGENCIES TO ENHANCE SECURITY, TRADE

COMPTROLLER ORAMALUGO VISITS TRADITIONAL LEADERS, SECURITY AGENCIES TO ENHANCE SECURITY, TRADE

Bisi Akingbade 

In a strategic move to strengthen collaboration and enhance operational efficiency, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, has embarked on a series of courtesy visits to key traditional leaders and security agencies in Badagry, Lagos State.

The visit, which took place between 19 and 20 February  2025 emphasise the Command’s unwavering commitment to promoting strong relationships with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.

During the engagement, Comptroller Oramalugo paid homage to the Oba Akran of Badagry and the Oba of Iberoko, acknowledging the crucial role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and stability. He reiterated the importance of synergy between Customs and local authorities in ensuring a secure and conducive environment for legitimate trade.

In a press statement issued by the Chief Superintendent of Customs,  Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command,  Isah Sulaiman stated that as part of efforts to enhance inter-agency cooperation, the Customs boss also visited top security formations, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army 243 RECCE Battalion Regiment,  the Nigerian Police Division, Badagry and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Discussions during these engagements centered on strengthening intelligence-sharing, improving border security, and fostering a more coordinated approach to tackling smuggling and other transborder crimes.

Comptroller Oramalugo emphasized that effective stakeholder collaboration remains a cornerstone of the Command’s strategy to optimize revenue generation, enhance border security, and contribute to national development.

In his words "Our mission at Seme Area Command goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to ensuring national security and fostering economic growth. Strong partnerships with traditional institutions and security agencies are vital in achieving these objectives," he stated.

"When I was posted to the Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, the CGC told me to meet all sister agencies and seek synergy with them in order to combat smuggling here".

"I need your collaboration here in the Seme command to succeed. I want your assurance that when we are overwhelmed with smugglers you will always come to assist us to combat them.

"I am here to build synergy with other security agencies so that I can succeed like I did in other commands.

"We are all working for the Nigeria State". He concludes.

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NCS: Seme Area Command welcomes Comptroller Ben Oramalugo As New CAC

NCS: Seme Area Command welcomes Comptroller Ben Oramalugo As New CAC

...as Oramalugo promises to consolidate on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs

Bisi Akingbade 

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, as its new Customs  Area Controller, following the retirement of his predecessor. Comptroller Oramalugo, an accomplished and seasoned officer, officially assumed duty on 11th February 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to effective border management and trade facilitation.

The change of leadership was marked by a brief handing-over ceremony at the ECOWAS complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP), attended by journalists. During the ceremony, Deputy Comptroller Enforcement, DC Istifanus D. Musa, who had been overseeing the Command following the retirement of the former Area Controller, welcomed Comptroller Oramalugo. He assured him of the commitment, support, and cooperation of all officers within the Command.

According to the press release issued by the Chief Superintendent of Customs 

Customs Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs 

Customs Public Relations Officer, I Sulaiman stated that Comptroller Oramalugo in his address of welcome, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Officers of the Command. He assured officers, stakeholders and the border community of his readiness to consolidate on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs for the seamless execution of the mandate of the Service. He pledged to maintain an open door policy and further urged the officers to enhance their capacities to move the Command and the Service to greater height.

The CAC expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeawale Adeniyi MFR and his Management team for giving him the opportunity to serve in various capacities as Area Controller.

Prior to this appointment, Comptroller Oramalugo served as the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Command. In December 2024, he received Strategic Community Engagement for the Year, Service Excellence Performance and was named outstanding Controller of the Year 2024 at the CGCs Award. His tenure in Oyo/Osun was marked by significant achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.

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Seme Area Command Condemns Alleged Unethical Conduct of Officers Against Public Members

Seme Area Command Condemns Alleged Unethical Conduct of Officers Against Public Members 

CAC SEME AREA COMMAND, COMPTR. KAYODE KOLADE

By: Bisi Akingbade 

The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Kayode Kolade, has condemned in totality an incident in a viral video where some officers attached to the command were seen maltreating some public members.

According to the press release issued by the Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer, Hussaini Abdullahi pjsc

stated that the command has commenced an investigation into the incident.

Comptroller Kolade said "The Command wishes to express its deepest empathy for the affected public members and wishes to equally condemn in strong terms such unethical conduct. It is essential to state that the action of these officers contradicts the value and operational standard of the Services ".

The Customs Area Controller, CAC,  directed that those officers be withdrawn and be interrogated to facilitate decisive disciplinary measures against whoever is found culpable. He further assured the general public that the outcome of the investigative panel would be made public when concluded.

While calling on the stakeholders and public plying the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor to go about their lawful activities, the CAC assured that the Command remains committed to creating a safe and conducive atmosphere for Legitimate trade to thrive.

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