The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded a remarkable revenue of ₦1.5 billion in September 2025, while also making major seizures, including expired flour, cannabis, and tramadol, in a renewed drive against smuggling and trade infractions along the Seme–Krake border.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Adewale Adenuga, disclosed this during his maiden media briefing held at the COWA Complex, Seme Border, on Wednesday, October 9, 2025.
Adenuga, who officially assumed duty on September 8, 2025, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his confidence and leadership, noting that the Command’s performance reflects the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
He stated that the Command generated a total revenue of ₦1,500,029,233.88 in September 2025, representing an exceptional 182% increase compared to ₦531,462,332.45 recorded in August. He attributed the impressive performance to improved compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring.
“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 officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.
Highlighting the Command’s role in supporting the Federal Government’s non-oil export diversification drive, Adenuga revealed that between September 1 and October 9, 2025, the Command facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods valued at ₦7,969,376,198.78 Free on Board (FOB). The exports, comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods, generated a total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee of ₦39,868,354.42. He said the volume of exports demonstrates renewed confidence in Seme Command as a strategic trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
In line with the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Adenuga revealed that the Command made several high-profile interceptions within the review period. These include five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour imported from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1.21 billion, seized during a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He noted that consuming such expired products could have caused severe health risks, including infections and food poisoning. Also intercepted were 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) 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 during the period included 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 amounted to ₦1,999,093,429.00. Adenuga emphasized that the Command remains resolute in combating economic sabotage, describing smuggling as a colossal waste of national resources that could otherwise empower legitimate businesses and create jobs.
“Our position is clear: any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste. It is better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of SMEs and create jobs,” he asserted.
The CAC also commended the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, for its continuous collaboration, noting that several seizures of foreign parboiled rice on waterways were handed over to the Customs Service by the Navy.
Reinforcing the CGC’s emphasis on collaboration, Adenuga disclosed that the Command recently convened two major stakeholder engagements between October 6 and 7, 2025. The first meeting brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders along the Seme–Krake corridor to address issues such as multiple checkpoints and extortion. The second involved Benin Republic Customs officials, business leaders, and licensed Customs agents to harmonize border operations and strengthen the Lagos–Abidjan Trade Corridor. He said all agencies reaffirmed their commitment to reducing trade barriers and ensuring seamless movement of goods and people without compromising national security.
Looking ahead, Adenuga reaffirmed the Command’s determination to uphold the trail of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security. “Under the visionary leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Seme Area Command remains resolute in balancing these priorities. We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence,” he pledged.
He expressed profound appreciation to the CGC and his management team for their guidance and support, as well as to the Military, Police, DSS, NAFDAC, SON, and other agencies for their cooperation. He also commended the traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of Badagry for their sustained partnership, while acknowledging the press for their role as steadfast partners in progress.
“Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme–Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity, not criminality,” Adenuga concluded.
