The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has effected a smooth leadership transition at the Seme Area Command, as Comptroller Wale Adenuga formally assumed duty on September 8, 2025, at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake.
The handing-over ceremony was attended by senior officials of sister security agencies, representatives of trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders, and members of the media.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Adenuga commended the outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), ACG Oramalugo, for his achievements and pledged to consolidate on the progress already made. He emphasized that his administration would prioritize trade facilitation as a key driver of revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts.
“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” Adenuga declared. “When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will exit Customs control in the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we encounter.”
He assured stakeholders of close collaboration with sister agencies including the DSS, Nigeria Police, Immigration, NDLEA, Nigerian Military, NAFDAC, among others, to reduce crime and foster a business-friendly environment. Adenuga also promised to sustain open lines of communication with traditional rulers, youths in Badagry, and the media, stressing that “my doors remain open.”
Highlighting discipline as the bedrock of Customs operations, Adenuga pledged to lead by example, ensuring officers remain professional, uncompromising, and committed to their responsibilities. He further noted the historic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who is also President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, adding that his vision is to “make the CGC proud through exemplary performance at the Seme Command.”
In his farewell remarks, ACG Oramalugo reflected on his tenure with “mixed emotions,” expressing gratitude for God’s faithfulness and his promotion, while acknowledging the bonds formed during his service in Seme. He listed notable achievements under his leadership, including the suppression of smuggling through high-profile seizures, improved revenue generation, enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade, and stronger inter-agency cooperation and community relations.
He thanked the CGC and NCS Management for their support, commended officers for their loyalty and discipline, and urged stakeholders to extend even greater cooperation to his successor.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from heads of sister agencies and key stakeholders such as the Comptroller of Immigration at the Joint Border Post, the Comptroller of Immigration Land Border Patrol, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, NDLEA, FRSC, and others.
The event concluded with a collective pledge from stakeholders and security agencies to work in synergy with Comptroller Adenuga to boost revenue, curb smuggling, strengthen border security, and promote seamless trade at the Seme Border.
