Seme customs reaffirms commitment to professionalism amidst misinformation

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has distanced itself from an online report alleging that its officers were involved in wrongdoing along the Seme corridor.

In a statement on Monday 24 November, 2025 signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs Isa Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the command said it has significantly strengthened enforcement activities along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor since the assumption of office by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, in September 2025.

The Command said it has recorded significant seizures, including over 4,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species, and over 2,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa.

According to the release, the command’s revenue has also improved significantly, rising from an average of ₦500-₦600 million monthly to over ₦1.5 billion in September and exceeding ₦2.5 billion in October.

“Since the assumption of office by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened,…The reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM) has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling,” it stated.

Seized parboiled foreign rice

The Command attributed its growth to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade.

“For clarity, between 9 September 2025 and date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to approximately seven trailer loads), Five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species (Lion Cub and Patas Monkeys) over 2000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marjuana), among other seizures. These results reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.”

The release went further to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct, saying that with the continuous support of the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and his management team, its efforts at safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance, and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor will be sustained.