Gentlemen of the press, distinguished stakeholders, officers and men of the Service, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command.
This briefing provides an overview of our operations and achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling enforcement since I assumed office in March 2026. These priorities reflect the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service under the NCS Act, 2023, and align with the economic reform agenda of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
1. Revenue Performance
From March to May 2026, the Command generated *₦9,798,938,969* in revenue. This is an increase of *₦7,610,533,220* compared to *₦2,188,405,749* collected in the same period in 2025, representing a *448% growth*.
This result reflects stronger compliance checks, improved stakeholder cooperation, tighter anti-leakage measures, and the effective deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System. The discipline and vigilance of our officers also played a key role. We will sustain these gains through intelligence-driven monitoring, institutional reforms, and transparent processes that support legitimate trade.
2. Trade Facilitation
As one of Nigeria’s busiest land borders, Seme is critical to regional trade under ECOWAS ETLS and AfCFTA.
To ease trade, we have intensified engagement with licensed agents, freight forwarders, transport unions, importers, exporters, traditional institutions, and sister security agencies. Through regular stakeholder meetings, we have resolved bottlenecks, simplified clearance procedures, and improved compliance awareness.
Our officers continue to guide SMEs on export documentation and regulatory requirements. These efforts support the Federal Government’s economic diversification drive, non-oil export expansion, and the Ease of Doing Business agenda. At Seme, we remain committed to facilitating lawful trade while enforcing strict action against illicit activities.
3. Anti-Smuggling Operations
Between March and May 2026, intelligence-led operations along the Seme-Badagry corridor and adjoining routes led to the seizure of prohibited and restricted goods valued at *₦501,845,772* DPV.
Major seizures include:
1,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa – to be handed over to NDLEA for investigation and prosecution.
- Unregistered pharmaceuticals without NAFDAC certification, including codeine-based syrups and sildenafil citrate products: 1 carton of Ultimate Plus Maca Syrup, 88 packs of 99 Bullets Herbal Medicine, 10 cartons of Ultimate Plus Maca Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, 14 cartons of Super Sexy Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, 14 cartons of Machine Man Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, plus quantities of Bottom Up Sildenafil Citrate, Tramaking, and Tempendol. These will be handed over to NAFDAC.
- *Other goods*: 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 340 kegs of foreign vegetable oil, 103 kegs of PMS, 993 cartons of foreign spaghetti, and 250 bales of used clothing.
These seizures demonstrate our zero-tolerance stance on smuggling. We have strengthened our intelligence network, enhanced surveillance across land and maritime routes, and deepened collaboration with security and regulatory agencies.
To compliant traders, I reiterate that compliance is the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective way to trade. Use our trade facilitation platforms and dispute-resolution channels for seamless operations.
Conclusion
I commend the officers and men of Seme Area Command for their resilience and professionalism. I also thank our stakeholders and host communities for their continued cooperation.
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Service remains committed to balancing revenue generation, trade facilitation, border security, and national development. Seme Area Command will continue to deliver on this mandate with integrity and transparency.
I appreciate the media for your partnership in promoting transparency and public awareness. Your role in nation-building is invaluable.
Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila
Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command
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