The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, on Monday witnessed a smooth transition of leadership as Comptroller Wale Adenuga formally assumed duty at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake.
The colourful handing-over ceremony drew senior officials of sister security agencies, trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders, and members of the media.
In his inaugural speech, Comptroller Adenuga commended his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller-General Oramalugo, for his contributions to the Command’s growth and pledged to build on the achievements recorded. He declared trade facilitation as the central focus of his leadership.
“Trade facilitation is my keyword. When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will leave Customs control within the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we have,” Adenuga said.
He promised closer collaboration with agencies such as the DSS, Police, Immigration, NDLEA, NAFDAC, and the military to curb cross-border crimes and strengthen a secure environment for legitimate businesses. He also assured traditional rulers, youth groups in Badagry, and the media of continuous engagement, stressing that “his doors remain open.”
The new Customs Chief further pledged to lead by example, insisting that officers under his watch would remain disciplined and uncompromising in their duties.
Acknowledging the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who is also the President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Adenuga vowed to make the Service proud through exemplary performance.
In his farewell address, ACG Oramalugo described the occasion as one of mixed emotions—gratitude for his promotion and God’s faithfulness, but nostalgia for the bonds he had built in Seme. He listed notable achievements under his tenure, including suppression of smuggling with significant seizures, improved revenue collection, enhanced trade facilitation, and stronger inter-agency cooperation.
He expressed appreciation to the NCS management and his officers for their loyalty and discipline, urging stakeholders to extend even greater support to his successor.
The event also featured goodwill messages from sister agencies and stakeholders, including Immigration, Shippers’ Council, NDLEA, FRSC, and others, who pledged cooperation with the new Area Controller to further strengthen revenue generation, security, and cross-border trade.
