Seme Customs Command Rakes Historic N15.59bn Revenue in 2025, Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Operations
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded historic revenue achievements in 2025, posting its highest-ever monthly and annual collections since the Command was established, alongside major seizures of prohibited substances in sustained anti-smuggling operations.
In December 2025 alone, the Command generated an unprecedented N3.63 billion, the highest monthly revenue figure in its history.
The landmark performance was largely attributed to the effective implementation of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which has significantly enhanced coordination, trade facilitation and service delivery for stakeholders operating along the Seme corridor.
Cumulatively, revenue collected between January and December 2025 amounted to N15.59 billion, representing a remarkable 117 per cent increase over the N7.16 billion recorded in 2024.
The Command described the performance as a clear indication of improved operational efficiency, strengthened compliance and the impact of ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Beyond revenue generation, the Seme Area Command also recorded notable milestones in community engagement and social responsibility.
On 11 November 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi.
The event featured an empowerment programme during which industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants were distributed to members of the COWA Seme Chapter.
On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative.
The outreach provided essential healthcare services to more than 1,000 beneficiaries, while a tree-planting exercise was also carried out as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability within the border community.
In line with the Comptroller-General’s directive to facilitate legitimate trade, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, confirmed that checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been reduced to the two locations approved by the Federal Government.
This measure, he said, has significantly eased the movement of goods, reduced delays and contributed positively to the Command’s exceptional revenue performance.
Meanwhile, the Command sustained robust anti-smuggling operations throughout the year. In December 2025, officers recorded significant seizures, including 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg), an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug.
The seizures were made through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, effective risk profiling and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Comptroller Adenuga issued a stern warning to smugglers, declaring that the Seme borders are no longer safe for illicit activities.
He stressed that with improved intelligence gathering, deployment of technology and heightened vigilance, offenders would be intercepted and prosecuted, urging those engaged in smuggling to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Conversely, he reassured legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders of a secure, conducive and efficiently managed Seme corridor, with seamless processes and reduced delays designed to support genuine cross-border trade and economic growth.
The Customs Area Controller expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the Service Management for their unwavering support and leadership.
He also commended officers and men of the Command, stakeholders, sister agencies, military and paramilitary forces, the media, as well as traditional and community leaders, for their invaluable contributions, while pledging even greater achievements in 2026.
