‘How Seme Compt Adenuga’s 2-month reforms, cut in checkpoint bottlenecks attracted AMJON award’

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

When Comptroller Wale Adenuga assumed leadership of the Seme–Krake Border Command of the Nigerian Customs Service(NCS), on September 8, he arrived with a clear mission —dismantle multiple checkpoints, end extortion, ease cross-border movements and strengthen security.

CGC Adeniyi

“My doors remain open. I will lead from the front to ensure officers stay disciplined and committed. Together, we will make the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi Phd, proud,” he pledged on assumption.

Less than two months later, Adenuga has not only fulfilled that promise – he has set a new performance standard within the NCS. His swift, measurable gains have placed him firmly in contention for the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) Excellence Award.

Ist pix is part of Kikelomo Sakirat Adeniyi Arena, 2nd pix is sewing machines for distribution, 3rd is doctors stand at Customs free Medicare and lastly, Comptroller Adenuga speaking

From day one, he moved decisively. In the first three days, he engaged host communities, met critical stakeholders, held talks with Beninese authorities, and opened communication channels with the media – showcasing seizures valued at over ₦1 billion.

He also confronted one of the region’s most persistent challenges: the notorious cluster of customs and other agencies’ checkpoints along the Seme–Agbara corridors. Within this period, they have been reduced to just two customs checkpoints as he promised.

To sustain compliance, he personally monitored night operations into the wee hours. He also challenged the press to conduct an undercover tour to expose any attempts to compromise his vision, assuring them of his cooperation. The Oba Akran of Badagry publicly affirmed the progress and reduction of checkpoints.

Beyond operations, Adenuga has distinguished himself through a leadership style rooted in empathy and community service.

He has delivered a new recreational facility— the Kikelomo Sakirat Adeniyi Arena — the reconstructed officers mess with recreational facilities, installed solar-powered lights for improved energy access, offered free medical care to more than 1,000 residents, supported widows of fallen officers, empowered officers’ wives with sewing machines and grinders, collaborated with public spirited persons to support small businesses to boost economic activities of the area.

Internally, he invested in human capital, prioritising modern training and skills development for officers.

The results have been striking. Under his leadership, Seme Command recorded a 182% jump in revenue, driven by improved trade facilitation and reinforced enforcement operations.

Expired 10,000 expired flour on display at Seme

His anti-smuggling drive has also delivered major wins, including the interception of five trucks carrying expired flour.

To further enhance efficiency, Adenuga is working with the CGC to deploy scanners to shorten cargo release times, and collaborating with bonded terminal operators to streamline cross-border processes. These initiatives are expected to boost trade volumes and strengthen Seme’s position as a key regional gateway.

Bilateral discussion with Beninese customs

His transparent, engagement-driven leadership has restored confidence among traders and revitalised morale within the command, where officers now express renewed pride in their work.

In under 60 days, Comptroller Wale Adenuga has shown what determined, people-focused leadership can deliver. His sweeping reforms and measurable outcomes make him not just a strong contender for the AMJON Excellence Award, but a model for customs administration across Nigeria.