The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Seme Area Command has reported generating ₦743 million in revenue for February 2025, demonstrating its commitment to revenue collection and trade facilitation.
The announcement was made by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Suleiman, in a statement on Thusday, March 13.
Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ban Oramalugo, attributed the achievement to the command’s efforts in blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development. He further disclosed that a total surcharge of ₦2.4 million was recorded for the same period. Oramalugo emphasized that the command is leveraging trade facilitation initiatives to create a more efficient and transparent trade environment.
Since assuming office, Oramalugo has implemented strategic measures aimed at enhancing revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration. These efforts align with the broader vision of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who has prioritized stakeholder synergy to combat smuggling and strengthen border security.
The intensified anti-smuggling operations led to several interceptions of prohibited items, including 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of codeine syrup, 240 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of used clothes, and 203 used tires. The total duty-paid value of the seized items was estimated at ₦267 million.
Oramalugo reaffirmed the command’s commitment to suppressing smuggling within the Seme Border Corridor. With the approval of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the intercepted cannabis sativa was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, as part of ongoing inter-agency collaboration.
Highlighting the importance of partnerships in security and trade facilitation, Oramalugo stated that he had engaged key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies, to strengthen relationships, enhance security measures, and improve intelligence-sharing. These engagements have reinforced border security and trade operations in the region.
To improve operational efficiency, the command has undergone a critical restructuring, involving the strategic redeployment of officers. This move aims to enhance vigilance, strengthen border security, increase accountability, and optimize revenue collection.
While acknowledging progress, Oramalugo emphasized the need for sustained efforts in combating smuggling and illicit trade. He warned smugglers that their activities would not be tolerated and urged them to engage in legitimate trade.
He concluded by reaffirming the command’s dedication to improving service delivery, enhancing trade facilitation, and ensuring national security through continuous collaboration and intelligence-driven strategies.
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