The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has reported generating ₦743 million in revenue for February while intensifying efforts against smuggling activities.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Suleiman, said the revenue was part of the agency’s core mandate of boosting national earnings, in a statement dated Thursday, March 13.
Customs Area Controller Dr Ban Oramalugo attributed the achievement to measures aimed at curbing revenue leakages and enhancing collection efficiency. He disclosed that the command also recorded a surcharge of ₦2.4 million for the month.
Oramalugo emphasised that the command was committed to leveraging trade facilitation initiatives to create a more transparent and predictable trade environment, fostering economic growth.
Since assuming office, he noted, the command had implemented strategic reforms in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, and inter-agency collaboration.
He said these efforts aligned with the vision of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, who prioritised synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and bolster border security.
The command’s anti-smuggling drive, he revealed, led to significant seizures in February, including 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of codeine syrup, 240 kegs of petrol, 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of used clothes, and 203 pieces of used tyres.
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“The total duty-paid value of the seized items was ₦267 million,” Oramalugo said.
He confirmed that the confiscated cannabis had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with inter-agency collaboration.
On strengthening security and trade facilitation, Oramalugo said, “I have engaged key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies, to foster strong relationships, reinforce security measures, and promote seamless trade facilitation in the region.”
He added that these engagements had improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, enhancing national security and economic regulation.
The command, he revealed, had also restructured key sections, redeploying officers to improve vigilance, border security, and accountability.
“These achievements result from unwavering support from the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team, the dedication of our officers, intelligence-driven strategies, robust inter-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement,” Oramalugo stated.
He warned smugglers to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate trade, stressing that their operations would not be tolerated. “We remain committed to sustaining these efforts to ensure even greater service delivery in the months ahead,” he assured.