In this interview with journalists during his maiden press briefing which held recently at the Seme-Krake Border, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Adewale Adenuga, speaks extensively on his early achievements, including the Command’s impressive revenue performance, non-oil export facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and stakeholder engagement. He also highlights the Command’s alignment with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s vision of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, and shares his commitment to transforming the Seme–Krake corridor into a model of efficient, transparent, and secure border management. Our Correspondent, Joshua Yousouph was there.
“For Seme Command — Gbaji and Agbara are the legitimate, approved checkpoints”
“Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity, not criminality”
Can you tell us how it feels to lead the Seme Area Command and what this maiden press briefing means to you?
Thank you very much. I warmly welcome everyone to this maiden press briefing of the Seme Area Command. To the glory of Almighty God, and through the gracious confidence reposed in me by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his esteemed management team, I am deeply honoured to assume leadership of this Command—a responsibility I officially took over on the 8th of September, 2025. This occasion presents an important opportunity to render an account of my stewardship and to share the progress we have collectively achieved within this short but eventful period. Guided by the vision and reform-driven philosophy of the Comptroller General of Customs and propelled by the dedication and professionalism of our officers and men, we have made remarkable strides in fulfilling our core mandates.
You mentioned the CG’s vision. How have you aligned the Command’s operations with his strategic direction?
Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation, I declared trade facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced, and more revenue is generated. Guided by the CGC’s commitment to transparency and modernization, the Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
Let’s talk about revenue. How has the Command performed under your leadership so far?
Under the renewed vigour inspired by the CGC’s leadership, the Command generated a total of ₦1,500,029,233.88 in September 2025, compared to ₦531,462,332.45 collected in August 2025. This represents an exceptional increase of over 182 percent. This outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the CGC’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods—as well as the dedication of our officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient, and accountable Customs Service.
Non-oil export promotion has been a key national objective. What role has Seme Command played in supporting this?
In alignment with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil exports, and in direct compliance with the CGC’s directive to promote legitimate export trade, the Command facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦7,969,376,198.78. The total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at ₦39,868,354.42. These exports, comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods, demonstrate the renewed confidence of exporters in the Seme Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme.
Smuggling has been a major concern across Nigeria’s borders. How has your Command fared in combating it?
Under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health, and economic stability.
During the period under review, our operatives, through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration, made significant seizures. We intercepted five trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value of ₦1,210,300,000.00, in a joint operation with NAFDAC. The health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications. Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.
We also intercepted 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, through actionable intelligence, and 120 packs of Tramadol 120mg, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, Seme Command, on October 7, 2025, for further investigation. Other seizures include 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and five used vehicles.
The total Duty Paid Value for all seizures stands at ₦1,999,093,429.00. These results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is economic sabotage—it robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare. Our position is clear: any economic resource diverted into smuggling is a colossal waste. It is better to channel such resources into legitimate trade that can empower thousands of SMEs and create jobs.
What kind of support have you received from other security agencies in this anti-smuggling fight?
We deeply appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy. The Navy’s Forward Operating Base in Badagry has demonstrated that we are partners in the fight against smuggling. They have, on several occasions, handed over foreign parboiled rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and surrounding areas. Their support is invaluable, and we truly commend them for it.
You showed us five trucks of expired flours earlier and said the contents will be handed over to NAFDAC. That means Customs will retain the means of conveyance. Many Nigerians are concerned about economic waste, seized edibles and vehicles worth millions left to rot in warehouses, while people are hungry. What is the plan of the Nigeria Customs Service to quickly and properly dispose of such items?
You see, I’ll tell you my CGC has zero tolerance for waste. Anybody who knows CGC Adewale Adeniyi will tell you he doesn’t like things wasted. On this issue of trucks, I think they are working on it. Very soon, they will dispose of them to the needy, either to the MDAs or to individuals. Conveniently, I can tell you that by the time you come next time, you will not see them again. They would have been disposed of properly.
You mentioned efforts to repair roads and operationalize the bonded terminal. How soon will this be completed?
The bonded terminal we have here is one of the first Bonded Terminals in Nigeria- Only God is Wise bonded terminal. It has been approved by the Nigeria Customs Service, so most of the goods coming in now can easily go there for examination and release. We are still waiting for examination. My CGC is working very hard to get scanners for us. Some of these goods will be examined at that examination bay. Some of those cars you are seeing are meant for transit, and they are on their way to that park to decongest the main park. You know, during the engagement, they talked about the trailer park, and we are working hard to decongest it.
What is the Service doing about multiple checkpoints and non-complying agencies?
With your cooperation, I will give you the authority and freedom — expose any agencies that are not cooperating. Expose them! Do undercover work. The Nigeria Customs Service, under the directive of my CGC, has directed that Customs checkpoints should be reduced to the barest minimum. If we can comply, there’s nothing stopping other agencies from doing the same. Please expose us, expose every agency that’s not complying. You see, I was on that road till around 12 a.m. with the task force. For how long will I continue to do that? The military and all other agencies are forming synergy. We are going out again next Thursday — from 10 a.m. till daybreak and we’ll be making arrests. But some people will tell you, “I’m coming from Abuja.” Let Abuja hear us out. My CGC is shouting loud and doing his best. Expose every agency not complying with the directive.
Within one month of your arrival, revenue generation at the Command has surged from ₦500 million to over ₦1 billion. What did you do differently from your predecessor?
There’s no magic behind this. Trade facilitation is my key word. I’m coming with the strong backing of the CGC, and if you know my antecedents, I was formerly DC Revenue in Apapa, so I have the experience. We know where to block leakages. The major thing is: facilitate trade. You are reducing smuggling to the barest minimum. If you look at our speech, we have reduced the number of hours used in declaration. My DCG Trade and Tariff and I consult virtually every day. We are reducing delays to the barest minimum. When you do that, importers want to bring their cargo here. Before now, a cargo could spend 5, 7, even 10 days — before you know it, they start dismantling and smuggling it out. But if they come and you facilitate immediately, you are turning things around. That’s my key word — facilitate trade. With my background from Apapa as DC Revenue, having also worked in Idiroko and Anambra, it gives me a sound knowledge of this place.
Stakeholder collaboration is often emphasized in Customs operations. What engagements have you held to foster synergy?
In line with the CGC’s emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, the Command convened two major stakeholder engagements from October 6 to 7, 2025. The first brought together Heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and critical stakeholders along the Seme–Krake corridor. Far-reaching resolutions were reached to address multiple checkpoints, extortion, and other trade impediments. All agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating unnecessary checkpoints and ensuring the seamless movement of legitimate goods and persons without compromising national security.
The second engagement involved our Benin Republic Customs counterparts, businessmen, and licensed Customs agents from both sides of the border. The forum aimed to harmonize border operations and strengthen the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor, reflecting the CGC’s regional integration agenda.
How are you carrying other stakeholders like clearing agents, freight forwarders, and cross-border traders along in your operations?
At the last meeting we held with the Beninoise, we sat side by side — the Beninoise and their clearing agents behind them; we, on our side, with our clearing agents behind us. One of the major things we achieved that day was the issue of trackers. Before, they would bring a truck, and the tracker would stay on it for days, causing delays and costing money. The Beninoise said that immediately a truck comes in, they remove the tracker — and we have achieved that now. I can tell you, as of yesterday, I work with virtually all the associations. The NAGAFF leadership was supposed to be here yesterday for a courtesy call. If we were not cooperating with them, their national leadership would not be coming. The ANLCA leadership has also been here. We carry all the associations along — even in the repair of the road — the associations are working with us.
What efforts are being made with Benin Republic on scanners and other border facilities?
We are working hand-in-hand with the Beninoise now. At the last meeting the CGC held, I mentioned the scanner to him, and immediately he directed the Controller, Trade Facilitation, to generate a memo for him to visit the ECOWAS President — not just write — to quickly repair it. Some of the equipment are obsolete — like the lighting and other installations. We are spending a lot of money to fix the lighting in that ECOWAS building. Customs is leading the way now, and you will see a lot of difference soon.
Can you confirm the approved checkpoints under Seme Command?
Approved checkpoints by the Federal Government — which Customs works in tandem with — are Gbaji and Agbara. That’s for Customs. Any other one checkpoint you see under Customs is illegal. I can speak for Seme Command — Gbaji and Agbara are the legitimate, approved checkpoints. You see, patrol is an intervention, a reinforcement. We have patrol bases that can be called upon for reinforcement, some in Gbaji, some in Agbara — to complement existing officers. But you will never see Seme checkpoints in Mowo or along the road. If you see them, expose them. Do your due diligence. You are the people that can help us. If CNN can come to Nigeria and do it, we can do it. It’s we and you that can build this country.
Looking ahead, what should stakeholders and the public expect from the Seme Area Command?
Under the visionary leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we remain resolute in balancing the triad of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security. We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration, and proactive intelligence.
Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity, not criminality. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer, and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint.
