By Innocent Orok
Dr Ben Oramalugo PhD, the Customs Area Controller of Seme/ Krake Joint Border said since taking over as the Area Controller, the Command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration.
According to him these efforts align with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who has emphasized synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and strengthen border security.
Comptroller Oramalugo said this during his maiden press briefing with the media on Thursday since assuming office at the border post. He said the Command has so far generated a total revenue of N743,728,652.16k for the month of February 2025. “This remarkable achievement underscores our commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.”
In the area of trade facilitation,
the Command facilitated a total of 28,395.293, equivalent to 806 trucks of export produce for the month of February 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N7,852,172,249.00k, which is equivalent to $4,995,527.78.
The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was N 39,260, 861.25k. While the total surcharge collected during the month of February is N2, 433, 433.00k.
The CAC said “the Command will leverage on the trade facilitation initiatives to foster a more efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.”
Also, in anti- smuggling activities, he said intensified operations have led to the interception of several prohibited items. The Command within the period under review has seized the following items; 444 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 181 packs of Tramadol, 600 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 240 kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are; 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of used clothes 203 pieces of used tyres. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures is put at N267,054,172.00k).
Comptroller Oramalugo said the seizures, contravened relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCSA 23), “reaffirm our commitment to suppressing smuggling within the Seme border corridor.
“Furthermore, with the approval of the CGC, the seized Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) as you witness has been handed over to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration.”
Speaking in the area of inter- agency collaboration and Stakeholders Comptroller Oramalugo said “the importance of collaboration in achieving our objectives, I have engaged with key stakeholders, including Traditional Rulers and Security Agencies to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.
“These engagements have facilitated improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, reinforcing our commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling. Our mission at Seme Area Command extends beyond revenue collection-it encompasses national security and economic growth, which are best achieved through strong institutional partnerships.
He informed that he has carried out operational restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance, “the Command has undertaken critical restructuring of key sections. This has led to strategic redeployment of officers for better vigilance and proactive border security operations and Increased accountability and improved revenue collection.
I am pleased to report that these reforms have already yielded positive results.”
He said the successes recorded so far at the Seme Area Command within this short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his NCS Management team, “the dedication and professionalism of our officers, the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration as well as stakeholder engagement.”
On his strategic plan moving forward he said “while we have recorded significant strides, we remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhancing surveillance and patrol activities to eliminate smuggling operations as well as deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks”.
“Let me use this opportunity to warn smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. Smuggling is an act of economic sabotage, and the Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
I strongly advise all individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine our country’s economy.”, Comptroller Oramalugo warned.
