Seme Customs Generates Over N743m, Facilities Export of Over 28,000 Metric Tonnes, Seizes Illicit Drugs, Other Assortments
Seme Customs Generates Over N743m, Facilities Export of Over 28,000 Metric Tonnes, Seizes Illicit Drugs, Other Assortments
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme border Area Command has
as part of its core mandate of Revenue Generation, made a total revenue haul of Seven Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Naira and Sixteen Kobo (¥743,728,652.16k) only for the month of February 2025. This remarkable achievement, according to Dr Ben Oramalugo, Controller Seme Command, underscores the Command’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.
Also In the area of Export promotion,
the Command facilitated a total of over Twenty-Eight Thousand metric tonnes (28,395.293) equivalent to Eight Hundred and Six (806) trucks of export produce for the month of February 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira (N-7,852,172,249.00k) only, which is equivalent to Four Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Seven Dollars, Seventy-Eight Cents (4,995,527.78 USD) only.
The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was Thirty-Nine Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Twenty-Five Kobo (N 39, 260, 861.25k) only. The total surcharge during the month of February was Two Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Three Naira (N-2, 433, 433.00k) only.
Speaking with Journalists and the showcase of seizures and handing over of seized illicit Drugs, Dr Oramalugo stated that
the Command will leverage on the trade facilitation initiatives to foster a more efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.
The Seme Command has however intensified its anti-smuggling operations, this, the Controller informed, has led to the interception of several prohibited items.
” The Command within the period under review has seized the following items; Four Hundred and Forty-Four (444) Parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), One Hundred and Eighty-One (181) Packs of Tramadol, Six Hundred (600) Bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), Two Hundred and Forty (240) Kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are; One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Nine (1,809) Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (50kg each), Seventeen (17) Sacks of Used Shoes, Fifty-Six (56) Bales of Used Clothes and Two Hundred and Three (203) Pieces of Used Tyres.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures is Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Fifty-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (N267,054,172.00k) only.
These seizures, which contravene relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCSA 23), reaffirm our commitment to suppressing smuggling within the Seme border corridor.
Furthermore, with the approval of the CGC, the seized Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) as you witness has been handed over to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration.”
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo made it clear that the achievements of the Seme Area Command within this short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his NCS Management Team, the dedication and professionalism of officers, the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration as well as stakeholder engagement.
“While we have recorded significant strides, we remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhancing surveillance and patrol activities to eliminate smuggling operations as well as deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks.”
He however warned smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. “Smuggling is an act of economic sabotage, and the Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
I strongly advise all individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine our country’s economy.”
Oramalugo said that his Command remains resolute in it plans to achieving results through proactive interventions.
His words:”The proactive measures we have implemented in fostering collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency, boosting revenue generation, and intensifying anti-smuggling efforts are already yielding tangible results. We remain committed to sustaining these efforts to ensure even greater service delivery in the months ahead.”
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