Seme Customs Makes Quantum Leap On Export Of Made in Nigeria Goods, Seizes Foreign Coins, IEDs
Seme Customs Makes Quantum Leap On Export Of Made in Nigeria Goods, Seizes Foreign Coins, IEDs
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command has made a quantum leap in enabling export of made in Nigeria goods
in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports.
Dr Ben Oramalugo, the Area Controller, Seme Customs Command, while briefing Journalists on the activities of his Command, said
the Command facilitated the movement of Two Thousand and Twenty Nine (2,029) trucks, equivalent to over Eight Eight metric tonnes (88,036.15) of made-in-Nigeria goods. These exports had a Free On Board (FOB) value of Sixteen Billion, Nine Hundred Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty One Naira and Ten Kobo (₦16,900,987,331.10k) only. While the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees stood at Eighty Four Million, Five Hundred and Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Six Naira and Sixty Six Kobo (₦84,504,936.66k) only.
According to him, this underscores their role as a critical trade enabler and contributor to national economic growth through efficient border management and support to local manufacturers.
The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against smuggling while their efforts have continued to churn in commendable results.
The Comptroller disclosed that on 28th March 2025, at about 2000hrs, operatives of the Command on stop and search duty intercepted a motorcyclist suspected of conveying un-customs goods along Owode Road. Upon interception, the rider abandoned a Ghana-Must-Go bag and escaped. Upon examination, the bag was found to contain various foreign coins, namely:
Forty-Nine (49) pieces of Two-Dollar coins, One Thousand and Forty Eight (1,048) pieces of One-Pound coins, One Hundred and Thirty (130) pieces of 25 Canadian cents, Two Hundred and Thirty Six (236) pieces of Fifty Pence, Six Hundred and Forty Five (645) pieces of Twenty Pence, Four Hundred and Twenty (420) pieces of Ten Pence, Three Hundred and Seventy (370) pieces of Five Pence.
Similarly, on 1st April 2025, operatives intercepted a Mazda vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled items along the Badagry-Seme Expressway. After a thorough check, the vehicle was found to contain:
Nine Hundred and Forty (940) pieces of One-Pound coins, Eighty (80) pieces of Two-Pound coins, Three Hundred and Thirty Eight (338) pieces of Fifty Penny, Five Hundred and Forty (540) pieces of Twenty Penny and Seven Hundred and Eighty Five (785) pieces of Five Penny
The total value of these seized foreign coins is Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty One Naira (₦8,975,281.00k) only. These items are classified under Item 18 of Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff (CET), which prohibits the importation of “Silver or Metal Alloy Coins not being legal tender in Nigeria”.
In a related development, on 9th May 2025, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGB 667 JL along the Badagry-Lagos expressway. The vehicle was found to be conveying Six (6) canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be Improvised Explosive Device (IED), concealed beneath Five (5) cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.
Other notable seizures during the period include: Five Hundred and Fifty Three (553) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), One Thousand Four Hundred and Fifteen (1,415) bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), Seven Hundred and Fifty (750) kegs of PMS (30kg each), Thirty (30) cartons of Tobacco, Fifty (50) cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One (1) boat and engine, Fifty (50) bales of second-hand clothing, Five (5) Vehicles and also Unregistered pharmaceuticals, including Four Hundred and Twenty (420) bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection (5ml).
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period under review is Six Hundred and Sixty Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty Six Naira (₦669,785,236.00k) only.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, In line with the commitment to inter-agency collaboration, has however handed over the seized Cannabis Sativa and Corrosive Mercury suspected to be IEDs and unregistered pharmaceuticals to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution. “This also highlights our readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security,” he said.
The Seme Area Command, also made gains in its bids to generate revenue for the Federal coffers. Through commitment and professionalism, the Area Command generated a total revenue of Eight Hundred and Forty-Seven Million, Fifty-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Nine Naira, Thirty Kobo (₦847,058,879.30k) for the month of April 2025 alone. This achievement, according to Dr Oramalugo, reflects the Seme Customs sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.
The Area Controller latched on the opportunity to alert the general public on the activities of fraudsters who impersonate officers of the Seme Area Command, claiming to auction or sell vehicles. These scammers he revealed, often operate via social media and other informal platforms. “The Command dissociates itself from any such illegal activity.”
He urged the public to note that the Nigeria Customs Service does not sell or auction seized items via WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or any unverified platforms. “Only follow verified social media handles bearing the official blue tick or any communication directly from the Nigeria Customs Service.”
The Comptroller commended the gallant officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their steadfastness, professionalism, and integrity. While also thanking stakeholders and partners, including the media, for your continued support and collaboration.
He added that the Command remains fully committed to the mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling and shall not be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda. Asserting that the Command will continue to work diligently in the interest of national economic development and security.
Dr Oramalugo appealed to parents and guardians residing in border communities to counsel their wards and youths to refrain from engaging in smuggling activities and to avoid being used as instruments to obstruct law enforcement officers in the discharge of their legitimate duties.
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