Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) closed the year 2025 on a historic high, recording its highest-ever monthly and annual revenue since establishment, a feat officials describe as a testament to reforms, innovation and strengthened border governance.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Tunde Ayagbalo, the Command generated a landmark ₦3,628,485,590.00 in December 2025, the highest monthly revenue ever recorded by the Seme Command.
Ayagbalo attributed the breakthrough to the effective implementation of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, which has significantly enhanced coordination, compliance, and trade facilitation across the corridor.
For the full fiscal year, the Command amassed ₦15,598,945,794.00, representing a 117% increase over the ₦7,166,576,397.49 generated in 2024, a performance the NCS describes as unprecedented in the history of the border command.
The statement highlighted several notable milestones in 2025:
On 11 November 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative, led by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi.
The event empowered members of the COWA Seme Chapter with industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders, and startup grants, boosting household income and women-led micro-enterprises.
On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative.
The outreach provided essential healthcare to over 1,000 beneficiaries, alongside a symbolic tree-planting exercise to promote environmental sustainability at the border.
In line with the CGC’s directive, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, ensured the reduction of checkpoints along the strategic Lagos–Abidjan corridor to two approved locations.
This reform drastically improved travel time, minimized delays for legitimate traders, and played a major role in the Command’s strong revenue performance.
The Command sustained a relentless anti-smuggling posture throughout December, recording significant seizures including:
• 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa,
• 495 packs of Tramadol,
• 2,000 packs of 300mg “Super Power” Sildenafil, an illegal high-dosage sexual enhancement drug.
These were achieved through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling, and close collaboration with other security agencies.
Comptroller Adenuga issued a stern warning to smugglers, declaring that Seme borders are now “a no-go area for illicit traders.”
“With advanced intelligence, technology, and unwavering vigilance, our officers will intercept and prosecute offenders. Smugglers must desist or face the full weight of the law,” he cautioned.
At the same time, he assured compliant traders of a more efficient, predictable, and safe environment for cross-border trade.
Comptroller Adenuga expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the NCS Management for their continuous support. He also commended the Command’s officers, sister security agencies, community leaders, media partners, and stakeholders for their contributions to the Command’s historic achievements.
He pledged even stronger performance in 2026 as the Command builds on its reforms, partnerships, and operational efficiency.