The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded significant achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, generating ₦9.79 billion within three months while intercepting contraband goods valued at ₦501.8 million.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this on Monday, May 25, 2026, during a media briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Seme, Lagos State. He said the report covered the Command’s operational performance since he assumed office in March 2026.
Kaila explained that the Command generated ₦9,798,938,969 between March 2026 and the present period, compared to ₦2,188,405,749 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. This represents a 448 percent increase in revenue performance.
He attributed the improvement to strengthened compliance measures, enhanced anti-revenue leakages strategies, improved stakeholder cooperation, operational efficiency, and the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System. According to him, the officers and men of the Command have also shown increased dedication and vigilance, which contributed to the overall performance. He assured that the Command would sustain the gains through intelligence-driven monitoring and transparent trade facilitation systems that support legitimate commerce.
On trade facilitation, the Comptroller noted that the Seme Area Command remains a strategic border post under regional trade frameworks such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area. He said the Command has intensified engagement with stakeholders including importers, exporters, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents, transport unions, and sister security agencies to reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency at the border.
He added that Small and Medium Enterprises are being supported in export documentation and compliance processes in line with government efforts to diversify the economy and improve ease of doing business. He stressed that while facilitating legitimate trade, the Command remains firm against activities that undermine national economic interests.
In its anti-smuggling operations, the Command intercepted 1,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, which will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. It also seized various unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based syrups and other unapproved herbal and sildenafil-based drugs, which are expected to be transferred to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for regulatory action.
Other intercepted items included large quantities of foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), spaghetti, and used clothing, with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦501,845,772.
Kaila issued a warning to smugglers and their collaborators, stating that the Command has strengthened its intelligence network, surveillance systems, and inter-agency cooperation to combat trans-border crimes. He urged legitimate traders to continue using approved channels for trade, assuring them of efficient service delivery.
He commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, while appreciating stakeholders and host communities for their support. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the broader framework of the Nigeria Customs Service to balancing revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security in line with national economic goals.
