Seme Customs Revenue Rises 448% To N9.8bn In 3 Months

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday said it generated N9.79 billion in revenue between March and May 2026, representing a 448 per cent increase from the N2.18 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this during a media briefing held at the command headquarters in Seme.

Kaila said the command recorded a revenue increase of N7.61 billion within the three-month period under review, attributing the performance to strengthened compliance measures, improved stakeholder cooperation, and deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

According to him, “From March 2026 to date, the Command generated a total revenue of N9,798,938,969. This represents an increase of N7,610,533,220 when compared to the sum of N2,188,405,749 collected within the corresponding period in 2025. The figure translates to an impressive growth rate of 448 percent.”

He added that the remarkable revenue performance was driven by intensified anti-revenue leakage measures, enhanced operational efficiency, and renewed dedication among officers and men of the command.

“This remarkable achievement is attributable to strengthened compliance mechanisms, improved stakeholder cooperation, intensified anti-revenue leakage measures, enhanced operational efficiency, and the strategic deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System,” he stated.

The controller said the command remained committed to sustaining the revenue growth through institutional reforms, intelligence-driven monitoring, and transparent trade procedures capable of supporting legitimate trade activities.

Speaking on trade facilitation, Kaila described the Seme border corridor as a strategic gateway for regional and continental trade under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said the command had intensified engagement with licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, transport unions, importers, exporters, and other stakeholders to simplify clearance procedures and improve compliance awareness.

“Our officers continue to provide guidance and support to Small and Medium Enterprises seeking access to regional and international markets, particularly in export documentation and regulatory compliance processes,” he said.

On anti-smuggling operations, the Customs boss disclosed that the command intercepted 1,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and several unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and sexual enhancement drugs.

He explained that the seizures were made during intelligence-led operations along the Seme-Badagry corridor and adjoining routes.

Kaila further revealed that the command also seized 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.

He said the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stood at N501.8 million.

“These seizures underscore the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and reaffirm our determination to protect the nation’s economy, support local industries, preserve public safety, and enforce compliance with extant import and export regulations,” he said.

The controller warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the command had strengthened its intelligence network and surveillance capacity across land and maritime routes.

He also urged compliant traders to continue utilising the command’s trade facilitation and dispute-resolution platforms for seamless business operations.