New Acting Controller pledges intelligence-led enforcement, stronger revenue collection, accountability and improved trade facilitation along Nigeria-Benin corridor
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has ushered in a new leadership with Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah assuming office as Acting Customs Area Controller, pledging stricter operational discipline, improved trade facilitation and a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct among officers.
Alumanah made the commitment on Wednesday at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Seme, during a formal handover ceremony at which he took over from the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, on Wednesday.
The change in leadership comes at a critical time for businesses operating along the Nigeria-Benin corridor, with traders, transporters and importers expecting improved border procedures, reduced cargo delays and greater transparency in Customs operations.
In his maiden address, Alumanah outlined a three-pronged agenda centred on revenue generation, intelligence-led enforcement and trade facilitation, stressing that the three priorities must complement one another in achieving effective border management.
He said his administration would pursue legitimate revenue collection without compromising national security or placing unnecessary obstacles in the way of compliant businesses.
On revenue generation, the Acting Controller pledged to block revenue leakages and strengthen collection, warning against undervaluation, export violations and other practices capable of depriving the government of legitimate revenue.
He also underscored the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement in tackling smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities, insisting that officers must rely on credible information, professionalism and operational competence rather than intimidation.
Of particular interest to businesses operating through the Seme corridor was his commitment to eliminating practices that make legitimate trade unnecessarily difficult.
Alumanah cautioned officers against avoidable delays, intimidation, unauthorised demands and other forms of misconduct capable of discouraging compliant traders and undermining confidence in the border system.
“Our objective must be to enforce compliance without unnecessary obstruction and trade facilitation without compromising national security or revenue”, he declared.
He further emphasised that accountability would remain central to his administration, warning that no officer would be shielded from disciplinary action on account of rank, position or personal relationship.
While promising support and recognition for personnel who demonstrate honesty, dedication and professionalism, he said officers found engaging in unlawful activities would be held responsible for their actions.
The new Acting Controller also advocated greater adoption of technology, operational modernisation and continuous professional development, noting that the evolving nature of border operations requires personnel to upgrade their skills and embrace more efficient approaches to service delivery.
Earlier, the outgoing Controller, ACG Kaila, attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to teamwork, intelligence gathering, effective supervision and cooperation among sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
He acknowledged the contributions of the various agencies operating at the border, noting that their collaboration had been instrumental in maintaining security and supporting the command’s operations.
According to him, the fight against smuggling and illicit trade cannot be effectively prosecuted without a coordinated approach involving all relevant security and regulatory institutions.
“Criminal activities will not operate within the boundaries of institutional responsibilities. Therefore, our response must be coordinated”, Kaila said.
He also cautioned officers against internal divisions and personal disagreements, warning that such tendencies could weaken the command’s operational effectiveness and undermine collective achievements.
“A command divided by personal differences cannot achieve its full potential”, he warned.
With Alumanah now assuming leadership, the effectiveness of his three-point agenda will be measured not only by revenue performance and anti-smuggling operations but also by the experience of legitimate businesses using the Seme corridor.
For traders and transport operators, the key expectations include faster cargo clearance, predictable procedures, professional conduct by officers and an enforcement system that does not penalise compliant businesses.
As a major gateway for Nigeria’s trade with neighbouring West African countries, the Seme corridor plays an important role in cross-border commerce, logistics and regional economic integration.
The new Acting Controller therefore faces the task of balancing the Customs Service’s statutory responsibilities of revenue generation and border security with the need to create an efficient environment for legitimate trade.
His success will ultimately depend on how effectively he translates his promises of discipline, accountability and intelligence-led enforcement into measurable improvements in border operations.