The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the facilitation of over 96,000 metric tonnes of goods for export between January and March 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) value totaling ₦20.45 billion.
This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, during a recent oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, led by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide.
According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the visit was part of the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight functions as outlined in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.
Welcoming the lawmakers, Comptroller Oramalugo expressed appreciation for their visit, describing it as a testament to the legislature’s dedication to strengthening customs operations, trade facilitation, and revenue optimization.
He reported that the Command recorded ₦1.98 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025. This achievement, he noted, was driven by improved compliance, risk management, and enforcement strategies.
Highlighting the strategic relevance of the Abidjan-Lagos Joint Border Post (JBP), Dr. Oramalugo emphasized its role in facilitating regional trade. He also underscored the Command’s commitment to cross-border cooperation with the Republic of Benin through intelligence sharing and efficient customs clearance.
Since taking office on February 11, 2025, the Comptroller has focused on four key operational pillars: revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration.
Under his leadership, the Command achieved significant anti-smuggling milestones. Between January and March 2025, various contraband—including petroleum products, narcotics, foreign rice, poultry, and vehicles—were seized, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦855.7 million.
Despite these successes, Dr. Oramalugo raised concerns over major operational challenges confronting the Command. These include poor infrastructure, equipment shortages, inadequate personnel, over seven years of power outage across the Seme axis, and ocean encroachment. He called on the government to urgently intervene, particularly in technology deployment, environmental protection, and enforcement of contractual obligations on stalled infrastructure projects.
In his response, Hon. Leke Abejide stated that the Committee’s visit aimed to review the Command’s operations, assess revenue performance, and inspect capital projects funded under the 2023 and 2024 budgets.
“We’re here to evaluate your records, projects, and operations to ensure alignment with budgetary appropriations, and to determine areas for retention or revision in the 2025 budget,” he said.
He emphasized the need for data-backed insights on revenue targets, the impact of E-Customs and digital platforms, and strategies to curb smuggling and boost trade competitiveness. He also assured that Customs officers’ welfare remains a key concern for the Committee and encouraged the Command to present its most pressing needs for potential inclusion in the 2025 budget.
The oversight visit concluded with pledges from both parties to deepen collaboration in strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical institution for economic growth, regional integration, and national security.
