Q1: Seme Customs processes 96,000metric tons export, generates N1.99b to surpass 63metric tons, N1.1b of 2024

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Seme border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it processed 96,000 metric tonnes of export consignments with a Free On Board value of N20.5 billion in the last three months of 2025 far above 2024 export.

The Area Controller of the Seme Command of NCS, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, who disclosed this when he received the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, led by the Chairman, Leke Abejide, stated that the command also generated N1.99 billion in the first quarter of 2025 through improved compliance, risk management and enforcement.

Oramalugo who resumed duty at the command on 11 February 2025 has however surpassed the record of the command for the first two months of 2024 when it processed a total of 65 metric tons export cargoes and generated over N1.1billion.

The Feat the command under his leadership has achieved through focusing on four key mandates: revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration, through improved compliance, risk management and enforcement.

In his welcome address to the federal lawmakers, Comptroller Oramalugo expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a reinforcement of the National Assembly’s support for Customs modernization and improved border management.

Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the strategic relevance of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP) located along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, describing it as a critical hub for regional trade integration. He emphasized the command’s commitment to efficient cross-border cooperation with the Republic of Benin through the one-stop border model, aimed at streamlining clearance processes and boosting economic activity.

The controller stated, “In revenue generation: The Command generated N1, 990 billion in the first quarter of 2025 through improved compliance, risk management, and enforcement.

“On trade facilitation: Export activities were notably boosted with over 96,000 metric tonnes of goods with a Free On Board value of N20.5 billion facilitated from January to March 2025.

“On Anti-Smuggling: From January to March 2025, several seizures were made ranging from petroleum products, narcotics, foreign rice, poultry, vehicles, foreign parboiled rice and more with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of;N8556 million only” he added.

He outlined some of the challenges faced by the Command including but not limited to poor infrastructure, shortage of personnel and equipment, lack of power supply for over seven years in the entire Seme axis, and ocean encroachment.

He called for urgent government intervention, especially in technology deployment, environmental protection, and enforcement of contractual obligations on stalled projects.

Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, reaffirmed the Committee’s resolve to critically assess the operations, revenue performance and capital projects in line with the 2023 and 2024 budgetary approvals.

“We are here to check your books, operations, and ongoing projects to ensure alignment with appropriated funds and to determine areas for retention or removal in the 2025 budget,” Hon. Abejide stated.

He emphasized the need for the Command to provide data on revenue performance in relation to targets, impact of E-Customs and digital platforms and efforts made in suppressing smuggling and promoting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

Furthermore, Hon. Abejide assured that the welfare of Customs officers is of equal priority, encouraging the Command to use the opportunity to present actionable needs for inclusion in the 2025 budget.

The visit concluded with mutual assurances of continued collaboration in strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service as a key driver of economic development, regional integration, and national security.