Seme Customs Command Generates N743.7 Million in One Month, Hands Over 444 Parcels of Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has announced the generation of an impressive revenue of N743.7 million within one month under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD.
The announcement was made during Dr Oramalugo’s maiden press briefing on Thursday, 13th March 2025, where he outlined the command’s achievements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
Dr Oramalugo, who assumed office on 11th February 2025, highlighted that the command’s success reflects strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders and enhanced intelligence-sharing efforts aimed at combating smuggling activities.
He noted that restructuring the posting of officers has significantly improved operational efficiency, ensuring better vigilance, increased accountability in revenue collection, and more effective border security operations.
Dr Oramalugo disclosed that in the last month, the Seme Command generated a total revenue of Seven Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Naira, Sixteen Kobo (N743,728,652.16).
In terms of trade facilitation, the command oversaw the export of over 28,000 metric tons (28,395.293) of produce, equivalent to 806 trucks, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira (N7,852,172,249.00) — approximately Four Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Seven Dollars, Seventy-Eight Cents (USD 4,995,527.78).
Furthermore, the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) payment generated from these exports amounted to Thirty-Nine Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Twenty-Five Kobo (N39,260,861.25).
The Seme Command also made significant strides in anti-smuggling operations. Dr Oramalugo revealed that the command intercepted a variety of prohibited items, including:
444 parcels of Cannabis Sativa
181 packs of Tramadol
600 bottles of Codeine syrup (100ml each)
240 kegs (30 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
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 seized items was estimated at Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Fifty-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (N267,054,172.00). Additionally, five vehicles used to convey the smuggled goods were confiscated.
“These seizures, which contravene relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, reaffirm our commitment to suppressing smuggling activities within the Seme border corridor,” Dr Oramalugo stated.
Following the display of the seized items to the media, Dr Oramalugo, with the approval of the Controller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, formally handed over the 444 parcels of Cannabis Sativa to Commander Owen, the Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Command.
Dr Oramalugo attributed the command’s achievements to the unwavering support of the CGC and his management team, the dedication and professionalism of officers, and the robust inter-agency collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
He emphasised that the command remains resolute in strengthening its engagement with other security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to enhance surveillance and patrol activities aimed at eliminating smuggling 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 Customs Area Command is fully prepared to track down and prosecute offenders,” Dr Oramalugo declared.
He advised individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade, contributing to national economic growth rather than undermining the country’s economy.
Dr Oramalugo expressed gratitude to the Controller-General of Customs and the management team for their logistical support and the opportunity to serve.
He also commended the officers and men of the Seme Command for their operational efficiency and dedication, acknowledging the critical role played by other security agencies, inter-agency partners, and the media in disseminating the command’s activities to the public.
