Comptroller Kaila: Compliance remains safest path for cross-border trade

“Seme Command ‘ll not serve as safe haven for illicit trade”

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has declared that strict compliance with trade regulations remains the safest and most sustainable path for cross-border commerce as the command recorded significant gains in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and regional trade facilitation.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, stated this during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Seme, Lagos State, while presenting the command’s operational scorecard for the period between March and May 2026.

Kaila disclosed that the command generated over N9.7 billion within the three-month period, representing a 448 per cent increase compared to the N2.18 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

According to him, the revenue growth was driven by improved compliance measures, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, intensified anti-revenue leakage strategies and the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

“Compliance remains the safest path for cross-border trade. Traders who adhere to established regulations enjoy smoother operations, faster cargo processing and protection from sanctions,” Kaila stated.

He explained that the command had sustained regular engagements with freight forwarders, customs agents, transport unions, importers, exporters and other stakeholders operating along the Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor to improve awareness and simplify trade procedures.

The Customs boss noted that the Seme border remains strategic to regional commerce under the Economic Community of West African States Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Kaila added that the command was also supporting Small and Medium Enterprises with guidance on export documentation and regulatory requirements to help them access regional and international markets.

On anti-smuggling operations, he revealed that intelligence-driven patrols led to the interception of prohibited items valued at over N501 million, including Cannabis Sativa, unregistered pharmaceutical products, foreign rice, vegetable oil, Premium Motor Spirit and used clothing.

He warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to stay away from the Seme corridor, stressing that the command had strengthened surveillance and intelligence gathering across border routes.

“The Seme Area Command will not serve as a safe haven for illicit trade,” he warned.

Kaila reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi to balancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, border security and national economic development.