Nigeria Customs Strengthens Stakeholder Engagement in Badagry to Boost Security, Trade
— Comptroller Oramalugo Engages Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies for Enhanced Border Management
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command, in a decisive move to foster inter-agency collaboration and enhance operational efficiency, has reinforced its engagement with key stakeholders to strengthen security and facilitate trade along the country’s borders.
Between 19 and 20 February 2025, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, embarked on a series of courtesy visits to prominent traditional leaders and security agencies in Badagry, Lagos State.
The initiative underscored the Command’s commitment to deepening relationships that will promote peace, bolster border security, and ensure seamless trade facilitation in the region.
During the engagements, Comptroller Oramalugo paid homage to the Oba Akran of Badagry and the Oba of Iberoko, acknowledging the indispensable role of traditional institutions in maintaining order and stability.
He emphasised the necessity of synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and local authorities in fostering a secure environment for legitimate commerce.
As part of his inter-agency outreach, the Customs chief visited several security formations, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, the Nigerian Army 243 RECCE Battalion Regiment, the Nigerian Police Division in Badagry, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The discussions focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms, reinforcing border security strategies, and adopting a more coordinated approach to tackling smuggling and other transborder crimes.
Comptroller Oramalugo reaffirmed that effective collaboration remains central to the Command’s strategic objectives, which include optimising revenue generation, curbing illicit trade, and supporting national development efforts.
“Our mission at Seme Area Command goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to ensuring national security and fostering economic growth. Strong partnerships with traditional institutions and security agencies are vital in achieving these objectives,” he stated.
Reflecting on his mandate, the Customs Controller revealed that upon his posting to Seme, the Comptroller-General of Customs instructed him to prioritise synergy with sister agencies to effectively combat smuggling.
“I need your collaboration here in the Seme Command to succeed. I want your assurance that when we are overwhelmed with smugglers, you will always come to assist us in combating them,” he appealed.
He further reiterated his commitment to fostering cooperation, stating: “I am here to build synergy with other security agencies so that I can succeed, just as I did in other commands. We are all working for the Nigerian State.”
The engagements mark a significant step in strengthening stakeholder relations, asCS continues to implement strategies aimed at ensuring border security while facilitating legitimate trade in the region.
