Customs Generates N27bn as Alumanah Takes Over Seme Command from Kaila
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded a leadership change following the elevation of its former Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, to the rank of Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah has assumed duty as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, taking over from Kaila, whose approximately eight-month tenure witnessed a significant increase in revenue collection and intensified anti-smuggling operations.
The leadership transition took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Seme Area Command, following Kaila’s elevation by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service.
During his farewell remarks, the outgoing controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve the Service in a higher capacity.
Reflecting on his achievements at the command, Kaila disclosed that Seme Customs generated more than N27 billion in revenue between March and October 2026, compared with N8 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The figures represent an increase of N19 billion, equivalent to a 233 per cent growth in revenue within the eight-month period.
He attributed the improved revenue performance and successes recorded in the fight against smuggling to intelligence-led operations, effective processing and timely sharing of actionable information, enhanced surveillance and the commitment of officers to preventing the border from becoming a safe passage for economic saboteurs.
According to him, the achievements were made possible through collective efforts and a renewed determination by officers and men of the command to strengthen enforcement operations while ensuring that legitimate trade was not unnecessarily hindered.
The outgoing controller also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for His guidance throughout his tenure and urged officers to sustain the standards established under his administration.
He charged them to remain committed to their responsibilities, uphold discipline, demonstrate loyalty and unity, and maintain the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
In his acceptance remarks, Alumanah expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Service for the confidence placed in him to lead the strategic border command.
He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, describing his administration as one that recorded remarkable revenue growth, strengthened intelligence collaboration, intensified the fight against smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality, and promoted discipline, professionalism and operational stability.
The new Acting Customs Area Controller pledged to consolidate these achievements and introduce measures that would further improve the command’s performance.
Outlining his administration’s priorities, Alumanah emphasised the strategic importance of Seme in Nigeria’s border management architecture, noting that the command plays a critical role in revenue generation, trade facilitation and the protection of the country’s economic interests.
He identified seven key pillars that would guide his administration, including revenue collection, facilitation of legitimate trade, discipline, integrity and professional conduct, cooperation, teamwork and collective responsibility.
Others are collaboration with stakeholders and sister agencies, avoidance of unnecessary problems in the discharge of official duties, and the adoption of modernisation, innovation and global best practices.
Alumanah stressed the need for officers to work collectively towards achieving the command’s objectives, while balancing effective enforcement with the facilitation of legitimate cross-border commercial activities.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining productive relationships with stakeholders and sister security agencies to address challenges associated with border management and cross-border criminal activities.
The new controller’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement is particularly significant given Seme’s strategic position as a major gateway for trade and movement between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Benin Customs and Co-Chairman of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Colonel Mekoun Parfait, congratulated Kaila on his elevation to the rank of Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
Parfait described Kaila’s rapid elevation, less than a year after assuming leadership of the Seme Area Command, as evidence of the confidence reposed in his competence, experience and professionalism.
He acknowledged the outgoing controller’s contributions to the command and expressed goodwill towards him as he takes on his new responsibilities within the Nigeria Customs Service.
The ceremony ended with expressions of appreciation from the outgoing controller to officers, stakeholders and sister agencies for their support during his tenure.
In his inaugural address, Alumanah reiterated his determination to sustain and consolidate the achievements recorded by his predecessor, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and improve operational efficiency.
He maintained that his administration would be anchored on discipline, teamwork, professionalism and improved service delivery as the command continues to pursue its revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling responsibilities.
The development marks a new chapter for the Seme Area Command, with the incoming controller expected to build on the revenue gains and enforcement strategies recorded under Kaila’s leadership.
