Seme Customs Revenue Rises By 300%

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday reported a significant increase in revenue collection, surpassing N2.5 billion in October, representing a 300 per cent rise compared to its previous monthly average of N600 million.

The command, which attributed the growth to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade, also disclosed that it intercepted 4,000 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice.

In a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, the Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, dissociated the command from an online publication alleging misconduct by its officers along the Seme corridor.

The statement described the report as misleading and unfounded, noting that since the assumption of Controller Adenuga in September 2025, enforcement activities along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor have been significantly strengthened through enhanced collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other sister security agencies.

The reactivation of the Joint Border Security Meeting (JBSM), he said, has further reinforced joint operations aimed at curbing smuggling.

He noted that as enforcement intensifies during the yuletide season, the Command is aware that individuals whose illegal activities have been disrupted may resort to misinformation and sensational reporting.

Giving details of the command’s anti-smuggling performance, the statement said that between 9 September 2025 to date, the Command recorded the seizure of over 4,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to approximately seven trailer loads),

Others are five trailer loads of expired flour, endangered species (Lion cubs and Patas Monkeys) and over 2000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), among other seizures.

“These results reflect the renewed operational drive to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

“Under the leadership of Comptroller Adenuga, the revenue of the Command has improved significantly, rising from an average of N500 million and N600 million monthly revenue collection to over N1.5 billion in September and exceeding N2.5 billion in October; an increase of more than 300 per cent. This growth is attributed to blocked leakages, strengthened enforcement, and enhanced facilitation of legitimate trade.

“The Seme Area Command reaffirms its commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption or misconduct. With the continuous support of the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management Team, the Command will sustain its efforts in safeguarding national security, enforcing compliance and facilitating lawful trade through the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, ” the statement said.