Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has announced a dramatic surge in revenue and a string of high-impact anti-smuggling successes, marking one of its most productive operational periods in recent years.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday at the Command Headquarters, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila revealed that the Command generated ₦9.79 billion between March and May 2026, a 448% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
“This remarkable achievement is the direct result of strengthened compliance, improved stakeholder cooperation, and enhanced operational efficiency.
“We are determined to sustain these gains through transparency, intelligence-driven monitoring, and unwavering dedication to our mandate,” the Customs Area Controller said.
Kaila explained that revenue jumped by over ₦7.6 billion, attributing the boost to tighter anti-leakage controls, deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, and renewed vigilance by officers.
He emphasized that the Command’s efforts align with the Federal Government’s economic reform programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
As one of Nigeria’s busiest land borders, Seme remains crucial to regional integration, especially under ETLS and AfCFTA.
Kaila noted that the Command has deepened its engagement with customs agents, freight forwarders, transport unions, exporters, SMEs and other stakeholders to ease trade procedures.
“Our goal is simple, to facilitate lawful trade without compromising national security. We have reduced bottlenecks, improved compliance awareness, and built mutual trust with the trading public,” he said.
He added that SMEs exporting through the corridor now receive enhanced support on documentation and regulatory compliance.
The Command also intensified anti-smuggling operations along the Seme–Badagry axis, intercepting a wide range of illegal goods.
Among the most notable was the seizure of 1,000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, now set for formal handover to the NDLEA.
In addition, officers intercepted large quantities of unregistered and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals, including codeine-based syrups and various sexual enhancement drugs lacking NAFDAC certification.
The seized items include:
• 55 bottles of Ultimate Plus Maca Syrup
• 88 packs of 99 Bullets Herbal Medicine
•10 cartons of Ultimate Plus Maca Sildenafil Citrate
• 14 cartons of Super Sexy Sildenafil Citrate 200mg
• 14 cartons of Machine Man Sildenafil Citrate
• Quantities of Bottom Up Sildenafil Citrate
• 100 packs of Tramaking
• 100 packs of Tempendol
All will be handed over to NAFDAC for further action.
The Command also recorded additional seizures with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦501.8 million, including:
• 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice
• 340 kegs of vegetable oil
•103 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
• 993 cartons of foreign spaghetti
• 250 bales of used clothing
Describing the seizures as proof of the Command’s uncompromising stance, Kaila warned smugglers to steer clear of Seme.
“Let me be clear: Seme Command will not be a safe haven for economic saboteurs. We have strengthened our intelligence network and expanded surveillance across both land and maritime routes,” he declared.
Kaila praised his officers for their diligence and professionalism and thanked border communities and key stakeholders for their cooperation.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for driving reforms aimed at balancing revenue, security, and trade facilitation.
“We will continue to operate with integrity and transparency in line with the expectations of Nigerians,” Kaila assured.
He further appreciated the media for supporting the Service’s transparency and public awareness goals.
Kaila concluded by stating that 6 suspects was arrested but have since been released on administrative bail.