Seme Customs Command Facilitates ₦7.97 Billion Worth of Non-Oil Exports, Strengthens Regional Trade Integration

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has facilitated the export of goods valued at ₦7.97 billion within one month, reaffirming its critical role in advancing Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda and regional trade integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller AO Adenuga, during his maiden media briefing held at the COWA Complex, Seme Border, on Wednesday, October 9, 2025.

Adenuga revealed that between September 1 and October 9, 2025, the Command processed the export of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods, attracting ₦39.86 million in Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees. The exports comprised agricultural produce and manufactured goods — a clear demonstration of the renewed confidence of exporters in the Seme Border as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

 “This performance is a reflection of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ strategic vision anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation. It also reinforces our belief that trade facilitation is the hallmark of economic growth and revenue expansion,” Adenuga said.

Building on the renewed operational drive under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Seme Command recorded a remarkable ₦1.5 billion in revenue for September 2025, compared to ₦531.4 million in August — an increase of over 182%.

Adenuga attributed this to the Command’s improved compliance monitoring, transparent processes, and data-driven oversight of goods movement across the border.

“Our officers have shown professionalism and dedication to the CGC’s reform agenda. These gains underscore the effectiveness of our drive toward a modern, efficient and accountable Customs system,” he noted.

In its sustained war against smuggling and illicit trade, the Command made landmark seizures worth ₦1.99 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) during the review period.

Five trucks loaded with 10,000 bags of expired flour imported from Egypt, valued at ₦1.21 billion, in collaboration with NAFDAC.

1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) and 120 packs of Tramadol 120mg, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of used clothing, 169 bottles of codeine syrup, and five used vehicles.

 “Smuggling is an act of economic sabotage that deprives the nation of vital revenue and endangers public health. Any resource diverted into smuggling is a colossal waste such resources should be channeled into legitimate trade that empowers SMEs and creates jobs,” Adenuga cautioned.

He also commended the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), Badagry, for their consistent support and collaboration in intercepting smuggled goods on the waterways.

Reinforcing the CGC’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, Adenuga disclosed that the Command recently hosted two major stakeholder forums between October 6 and 7, 2025.

The first meeting gathered Heads of Security Agencies, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders to address issues such as multiple checkpoints, extortion, and trade bottlenecks along the Seme–Krake corridor.

The second forum featured Customs officials from Benin Republic, licensed Customs agents, and business operators from both sides of the border, focusing on harmonizing operations to promote seamless regional trade.

 “All agencies reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating unnecessary checkpoints and ensuring smooth cross-border movement of legitimate goods and persons without compromising national security,” Adenuga said.

Looking ahead, the Customs Area Controller reaffirmed that the Seme Area Command remains fully aligned with the CGC’s modernization and integration blueprint, built on the pillars of Revenue Generation, Trade Facilitation, and National Security.

“We are building a smarter, safer, and more prosperous border corridor that promotes legitimate trade, regional integration, and economic growth. The Seme–Krake border must remain a gateway of prosperity, not criminality,” he declared.

Adenuga expressed gratitude to the CGC, the Armed Forces, Police, DSS, NAFDAC, SON, traditional rulers, and the local community for their continued partnership in sustaining the Command’s success.

“Our officers’ commitment and professionalism are the driving forces behind these achievements. Their dedication strengthens our resolve to serve with integrity and distinction,” he concluded.