The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated N3.5 billion in revenue between January and May 2025, according to Controller Dr. Benedict Oramalugo. The announcement was made during a working visit by the Zonal Coordinator of NCS Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, to the command.
Dr. Oramalugo revealed that the command facilitated export consignments totaling 220,300 metric tonnes, valued at N47 billion, free on board. The command's anti-smuggling operations also yielded significant results with seizures worth N889 million, including expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana, and corrosive mercury, which were handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation.
Operational Challenges at Seme Border
Despite these achievements, the controller highlighted several challenges facing the command, including a seven-year power outage, poor road infrastructure, non-functional scanning equipment, and border porosity. He emphasized ongoing advocacy for infrastructure upgrades, deployment of modern surveillance tools, and deeper collaboration with sister security agencies and local communities to address these concerns.
ACG Charles Orbih commended the leadership of the command for various initiatives, including the renovation of the Customs Officers' Wives Association (COWA) building, upgrading of the sports complex, and the recent commissioning of the officers' mess. He described these projects as symbolic of the command's alignment with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Zone A's Impressive Revenue Contribution
Orbih highlighted Zone A's impressive contributions to national revenue, noting that the zone accounted for 79.8 percent of Customs' N1.3 trillion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025. He reaffirmed the service's modernization journey through initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, the Authorised Economic Operators programme, and the B'Odogwu platform, which is the indigenous Customs Clearance system.
According to Orbih, the service's operational strategy for 2025 is guided by seven strategic focus areas, including trade modernization, enhanced risk management, and operationalization of the NCS University. Other areas include strengthening international partnerships under the AfCFTA framework, implementing a robust corporate social responsibility strategy, and promoting open governance through increased transparency and stakeholder engagement.
"As we move forward, the bar has been set higher for Zone A. Our previous achievements, impressive as they were, should serve as stepping stones rather than resting points. We must leverage our strategic importance to push beyond these accomplishments, innovating and adapting to meet the evolving demands of our nation's economy and security needs," Orbih stated.
The ACG expressed confidence in the ability of the command and other units under the zone to not only sustain but surpass current achievements in service to the nation.
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