Alumanah Takes Charge at Seme Border, Promises End to Unnecessary Delays and Officer Misconduct

Victoria Silvanus

A new leadership has emerged at the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, with Deputy Comptroller N. Olisa Alumanah assuming office as Acting Customs Area Controller and promising a more disciplined approach to border operations.

For traders, transporters, importers and other businesses operating along the Nigeria-Benin corridor, the change in leadership comes with expectations of improved trade procedures, reduced delays and a more transparent relationship between Customs officers and legitimate traders.

Alumanah made the commitment on Wednesday at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Seme, during a handover ceremony where he officiallthmoreook over from the outgoing Assistant Comptroller-General Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila.

In his

maiden address, the new Controller made it clear that his administration would not sacrifice legitimate trade in the name of enforcement, nor compromise national security and government revenue in the interest of trade facilitation.

He outlined three major priorities for his administration: revenue generation, intelligence-led enforcement and trade facilitation.

On revenue, Alumanah promised to block leakages and strengthen collection, warning against undervaluation, export violations and other activities capable of denying the government legitimate revenue.

He also emphasised the need for intelligence-driven enforcement against smuggling, making it clear that officers must rely on professionalism and credible information rather than intimidation.

However, his message on trade facilitation may be particularly significant for businesses that depend on the Seme corridor for the movement of goods and services.

The Acting Controller warned officers against unnecessary delays, intimidation, unauthorised demands and other forms of misconduct that could discourage legitimate traders from using the border.

“Our objective must be to enforce compliance without unnecessary obstruction and trade facilitation without compromising national security or revenue,” he declared.

He further warned that nobody would be above accountability, regardless of rank, position or personal relationship.

According to him, officers who demonstrate honesty and professionalism would receive his support, but those involved in unlawful conduct would not enjoy protection.

Alumanah also called for greater adoption of technology, modernisation and continuous professional development, noting that the changing nature of border operations requires officers to improve their skills and embrace more efficient methods of service delivery.

In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Controller, ACG Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to teamwork, intelligence gathering, effective supervision and cooperation among security and regulatory agencies.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of the sister agencyand other stakeholders in maintaining security and supporting operations at the border.

Kaila maintained that the fight against smuggling and illicit trade ould only be successful when security agencies work together, irrespective of their individual institutional responsibilities.

“Criminal activities will not operate within the boundaries of institutional responsibilities. Therefore, our response must be coordinated,” he said.

He also left a message for officers and personnel of the command, warning that internal divisions and personal differences could undermine operational effectiveness.

“A command divided by personal differences cannot achieve its full potential,” Kaila caution

With Alumanah now at the helm, attention will naturally shift to how his three-point agenda translates into everyday experiences at the Seme border.

Beyond revenue figures and seizure records, traders and other border users will be watching to see whether legitimate cargo can move with fewer delays, whether officers will maintain professional conduct and whether enforcement activities will be guided by intelligence and transparency.

The Seme corridor remains an important gateway for Nigeria's trade with neighbouring West African countries. Its effectiveness therefore goes beyond Customs operations; it has implications for businesses, consumers, transport operators and the wider economy.

For the new Acting Controller, the challenge is clear: protect the country's borders, secure government revenue and make legitimate trade easier.