The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded a remarkable revenue growth of ₦9.79 billion between March and May 2026, representing a 448 per cent increase compared to the ₦2.18 billion generated within the same period in 2025.
Speaking at his maiden media briefing at the Command Headquarters, the Customs Area Controller, Abdullahi Kaila, attributed the performance to intensified enforcement, improved operational efficiency, and stronger collaboration with stakeholders since assuming office in March 2026.
He disclosed that the revenue figure reflects an increase of over ₦7.61 billion year-on-year, driven by strengthened compliance measures, anti-revenue leakage strategies, and the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.
Kaila also credited the achievement to the dedication and vigilance of officers and men of the Command, noting that Seme remains a critical trade corridor for regional and continental integration under frameworks such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He explained that the Command has deepened engagement with customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and transport unions to simplify clearance processes and enhance compliance.
On anti-smuggling operations, the Comptroller revealed that intelligence-led operations along the Seme-Badagry corridor and adjoining routes led to several high-profile seizures. Items intercepted include 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 340 kegs of vegetable oil, 103 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 993 cartons of foreign spaghetti, and 250 bales of used clothing.
Officers also seized large quantities of unregistered and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals, including codeine-based syrups and sexual enhancement drugs lacking certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Among them were various brands of sildenafil citrate products, herbal medicines, and other controlled substances.
Kaila confirmed that all confiscated drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and NAFDAC for further investigation and prosecution.
He warned smugglers to steer clear of the Seme border, stressing that surveillance has been strengthened across land and maritime routes.
“Let me be clear: Seme Command will not be a safe haven for economic saboteurs”, he said.
The Comptroller acknowledged the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for driving reforms that balance revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.
He further disclosed that six suspects were arrested in connection with cannabis seizures but have since been granted administrative bail pending ongoing investigations.
Kaila commended officers of the Command for their resilience and professionalism, while appreciating stakeholders, host communities, and the media for their continued support in promoting transparency and public awareness.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to sustaining revenue growth, strengthening border security, and supporting national economic development through efficient and transparent operations.