The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated N3.48 billion in revenue in February 2026, marking a sharp increase from the N743.69 million recorded in the same period last year.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Badagry. The event, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme and GIZ International, was themed “Empowering Cross-Border Traders through Trade Information Desk for Agricultural Traders.” Adenuga represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the forum.
According to him, the Command had already realised N3,480,970,924.67 in revenue for February, despite the month not yet ending — a significant leap from the N743,698,652.16 generated in February 2025.
“For this February that has not yet ended, we have already generated N3,480,970,924.67 as against N743,698,652.16 in February 2025. This clearly shows that the flow of trade is getting better and people are building greater confidence in the Seme–Krake corridor”, Adenuga said.
He attributed the revenue growth largely to improved trade facilitation processes and enhanced confidence among cross-border traders, particularly in agricultural exports.
The CAC also assured stakeholders that the reduction in checkpoints along the Seme–Gbaji axis was a result of deliberate collaboration with other security agencies. He clarified that only Agbara and Gbaji remain as officially approved Customs checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
Adenuga noted that crime rates along the Seme–Gbaji axis have declined significantly, crediting the development to monthly joint border security meetings involving all agencies operating at the border. He said the regular engagements have strengthened intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to security challenges, creating a safer and more conducive environment for legitimate trade.
While highlighting the Command’s revenue and trade facilitation strides, the CAC emphasised that enforcement against illicit activities remains a core mandate.
He revealed that operatives recently intercepted a Toyota Highlander conveying 22 packages of cocaine with an estimated street value exceeding N1 billion. The seizure, he said, was made possible through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller-General of Customs.
In addition, the Command seized 1,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice in February 2026 alone, reinforcing its commitment to curbing smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic borders.
Adenuga reiterated the Command’s resolve to work closely with traders, farmers, sister security agencies and regional partners to sustain the momentum in trade growth and strengthen security along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.