The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has reported a revenue generation of N743 million in February 2025, alongside major anti-smuggling operations that led to significant seizures.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Suleiman, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, emphasizing the command’s ongoing efforts to maximize revenue collection and curb smuggling activities.
Commenting on the achievement, the Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ban Oramalugo, highlighted that the revenue surge reflects the command’s dedication to blocking leakages and ensuring efficient collection for national development. He also noted that the total surcharge for February stood at N2.4 million.
Oramalugo reaffirmed that the command is leveraging trade facilitation initiatives to create a more efficient, transparent, and predictable trade environment, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Since assuming office, he has implemented strategic reforms to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts, and inter-agency collaboration, aligning with the broader vision of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi to strengthen border security and stakeholder synergy.
As part of intensified efforts to combat smuggling, the command intercepted various contraband goods within the review period. The seizures include:
- 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana)
- 181 packs of tramadol
- 600 bottles of 100ml codeine syrup
- 240 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol)
- 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice
- 17 sacks of used shoes
- 56 bales of second-hand clothes
- 203 pieces of used tires
The total duty-paid value (DPV) of these confiscated items amounted to N267 million.
Oramalugo stated that the seizures, which violate the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, reaffirm the command’s determination to suppress smuggling along the Seme Border Corridor.
In line with the Customs’ inter-agency cooperation framework, the seized cannabis sativa was officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
Oramalugo stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving both security and trade facilitation objectives. He noted that he has engaged traditional rulers and security agencies to reinforce security measures, build trust, and ensure seamless trade facilitation in the region.
He highlighted that these stakeholder engagements have improved intelligence-sharing, surveillance, and coordination, further strengthening national security and economic regulation.
To enhance performance, the command has undertaken a major restructuring of key operational sections, including the strategic redeployment of officers to:
- Improve border security operations
- Increase accountability and revenue collection
- Strengthen vigilance against smuggling activities
Oramalugo attributed the command’s achievements to the unwavering support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the dedication of officers, intelligence-driven strategies, and robust inter-agency collaboration.
He issued a strong warning to smugglers and their accomplices, stressing that illegal trade activities would not be tolerated. Instead, he urged them to embrace legitimate trade, which contributes to national economic stability rather than undermining it.
Oramalugo concluded by reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustaining and improving its efforts in revenue generation, security enforcement, and trade facilitation in the coming months.
“Our mission at Seme Area Command extends beyond revenue collection—it encompasses national security and economic growth. Through strong institutional partnerships and strategic measures, we remain dedicated to achieving these goals,” he stated.
