By Innocent Orok
Seme Customs Command of the NCS under the impact making leadership of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD on Monday led Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR to commission key projects including Customs Officers Wives Association ( COWA) office, equipped Gym House, Senior Officers Mess and other projects.
In his opening remarks at the event Comptroller Oramalugo said “It is with immense joy, gratitude, and pride that I stand before you today to welcome you to this historic occasion—the commissioning of the newly renovated Senior Officers Mess, Gym House and the state-of-the-art Office Complex of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) here at the Seme Area Command. This is a landmark event for our Command, and we are deeply honoured to have the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to personally grace this occasion to commission these remarkable projects. Sir, your presence is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the welfare of our officers and the progress of the Nigeria Customs Service. On behalf of the entire Seme Area Command, I say a resounding thank you.
“Today’s event is more than the unveiling of physical structures; it is a celebration of our resolved commitment to teamwork, dedication, and the shared vision of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC BA Adeniyi MFR to create an enabling environment for our officers and their families. The renovated Officers’ Mess stands as a symbol of our commitment to improving the welfare and morale of our personnel, providing more conducive space for relaxation, camaraderie, and professional bonding.
“Similarly, the new COWA Office Complex represents our recognition of the invaluable contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in supporting our officers, fostering community development and promoting the well-being of families within the Seme Command.
“The journey to this moment has been one of collective effort. I must commend the officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their relentless dedication to duty, which has created the foundation for achievements like today. Your professionalism in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling has not only strengthened our Command but also contributed significantly to national economic development.”
In the area of revenue collection, Dr Oramalugo told the CGC that from January to April 2025, the Command has generated the sum of N2, 833,454,444.85k only.
” In terms of export the Command processed over 184,000 metric tonnes of export goods valued at over N36bn.
“The strategies on Anti-smuggling has resulted in many arrest and seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over Eight Hundred Million Naira, a feat that underscores our commitment to excellence and zero tolerance to smuggling.”
Dr Oramalugo extended his heartfelt appreciation to members of COWA, the CGC, sister agencies and stakeholders for their supports.
“To the members of COWA, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. Your tireless efforts in community engagement, empowerment programs, and support for our officers’ families have been instrumental in bringing this office complex to reality. This new facility will undoubtedly enhance your capacity to carry out your noble initiatives, and I am confident it will serve as a hub for innovation and positive impact in our border community.
“To our sister security agencies, your synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened our resolve to secure our borders and maintain peace in this region.
“To the Comptroller General, sir, your visionary leadership has been the driving force behind the modernization and transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service. Your policy thrust, centered on collaboration, consolidation and innovation has inspired us at Seme Area Command to push boundaries and achieve milestones. The projects you are to commission today are a direct reflection of your emphasis on officers’ welfare and operational excellence. We are immensely grateful for your guidance and support.
“As you unveil these facilities, I urge all officers to see them as tools to enhance our service delivery. Let the renovated Officers’ Mess be a place where we forge stronger bonds and renew our commitment to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service. Let the COWA Office Complex be a beacon of hope, empowering our families and communities. Together, we must continue to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and discipline in all our endeavors”, the elated Dr Oramalugo said.
