SEME Customs Command Records Unprecedented Seizures,Intercepts ₦1.2BN Worth Of Contrabands, Generates ₦1.59BN In Two Months

SEME Customs Command Records Unprecedented Seizures,Intercepts ₦1.2BN Worth Of Contrabands, Generates ₦1.59BN In Two Months
…….Comptroller Oramalugo vows tougher stance against smugglers
………hands seized Cannabis to NDLEA

Comptroller Ben Oramalugo phD,showcasing some of the seized Contrabands,on Thursday,at SEME Customs Command

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a determined display of enforcement and commitment to national security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded a major and unprecedented operational breakthrough with seizures worth over ₦1.2 billion and revenue generation exceeding ₦1.59 billion between 14 May and 24 July 2025.

Speaking during a media briefing at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, said five trucks loaded with 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing were intercepted along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between 1st and 19th July. The duty paid value (DPV) of the seized rice and vehicles was put at ₦919.5 million.

compt.. Oramalugo phD briefing news at SEME Customs Command on Thursday

In addition to the rice seizure, other contraband goods intercepted within the period include 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), 1,319 more bags of rice, 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, one boat with engine, 20 bales of used clothing, and 4 bales of used shoes. The total DPV of all seizures stood at ₦1,268,794,474.

“This operation is a testament to the vigilance, resilience, and doggedness of our officers and the collaborative support of other security agencies, especially the Nigerian military,” Oramalugo said.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s ban on rice importation through land borders — a policy aimed at encouraging local rice production and reducing dependence on imports.

“Despite Nigeria being the largest rice producer in Africa, our mills face underutilization due to low patronage. This ban is a strategic move to support the agricultural sector and national economy,” the Controller noted.

In terms of revenue generation, the Command collected ₦1,593,676,123.26 in the months of May and June alone, reflecting enhanced enforcement and blockage of revenue leakages.

Oramalugo also reported significant progress in trade facilitation, with 1,837 trucks conveying over 116,000 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods exported through the corridor. The Free On Board (FOB) value of these exports was ₦22.3 billion, while the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees amounted to ₦111.8 million.

Commending the officers and men of the Command for their relentless efforts, the Controller acknowledged the strategic support of the Comptroller-General of Customs ,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,and his Management Team. He specifically mentioned the recent allocation of 12 patrol vehicles, which he said has boosted the Command’s operational efficiency and contributed to the success stories being recorded.

“We remain unyielding in our fight against smuggling and resolute in our mission to protect Nigeria’s economic interests. Let me make it clear: the Lagos-Abidjan corridor is safe for lawful trade, but for those engaged in illegality, there will be no hiding place,” he warned.

Comptroller Oramalugo concluded by reiterating the Command’s unwavering dedication to fostering legitimate trade, securing Nigeria’s borders, and contributing to a stronger and more prosperous nation.He warned smugglers that SEME Command which he presently superintends ,” is not a fertile ground for smuggling ,and advised smugglers to look elsewhere.

Comptroller Oramalugo debunked the notion that SEME border is notorious for smuggling of banned imported rice into the country,nothing that while no country in the world has been able to eradicate smuggling completely,SEME command has been very resilient in ensuring that smugglers and smuggling are effectively curtailed.

In line with a standing understanding between the NCS and the NDLEA, Comptroller Oramalugo,phD,handed 898 parcels of seized Cannabis to the NDLEA,for further investigation and proper prosecution.
Receiving the Seized Cannabis, Mr.Ibrahim Idris Mohammed, Exhibit Officer ,who represented the Commander, NDLEA, Seme command,said,” This is not just a handover of drugs, but it symbolizes the continued cooperation that exists between us in the cross-border crime and drug trafficking. Once again, thank you, sir. And I sincerely thank all the officers of Customs who have sleepless nights in their checkpoints for not having any iota of disability to stop these illegal drugs from getting to their destination”