Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has said that it facilitated the export of 2,029 of made-in-Nigeria goods in trucks, equivalent to over 88,036.15 metric tonnes in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports as it seized a significant haul of smuggled foreign currencies and explosives, among others, with a total Duty Paid value (DPV) of N669.7million between March, 13th and May 13th,2025
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo who stated this in a press statement in Lagos on Wednesday said that those exports had a Free On Board, FOB value of 16,900,987,331.10k.
According to Oramalugo, the National Export Supervision Scheme, NESS fees stood at N84,504,936.66k, “This underscores our role as a critical trade enabler and contributor to national economic growth through efficient border management and support to local manufacturers”, he said.
Also, during the period under review, the command, through commitment and professionalism, collected the total revenue of N847,058,879.30k for the month of April 2025 alone.
“This achievement reflects our sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise”, Oramalugo stated.
On anti-smuggling, the Controller who recalled how he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against smuggling said, “I am glad to report that our efforts have continued to yield commendable results.”
He disclosed, “On 28th March, 2025, at about 2000hrs, operatives of the Command on stop and search duty intercepted a motorcyclist suspected of conveying un-customs goods along Owode Road. Upon interception, the rider abandoned a Ghana-Must-Go bag and escaped.
Upon examination, the bag was found to contain various foreign coins, namely:“Forty-Nine (49) pieces of Two-Dollar coins, One Thousand and Forty Eight (1,048) pieces of One-Pound coins, One Hundred and Thirty (130) pieces of 25 Canadian cents, Two Hundred and Thirty Six (236) pieces of Fifty Pence, Six Hundred and Forty Five (645) pieces of Twenty Pence, Four Hundred and Twenty (420) pieces of Ten Pence, Three Hundred and Seventy (370) pieces of Five Pence.
“Similarly, on 1st April 2025, operatives intercepted a Mazda vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled items along the Badagry-Seme Expressway. After a thorough check, the vehicle was found to contain:
“Nine Hundred and Forty (940) pieces of One-Pound coins, Eighty (80) pieces of Two-Pound coins, Three Hundred and Thirty Eight (338) pieces of Fifty Penny, Five Hundred and Forty (540) pieces of Twenty Penny and Seven Hundred and Eighty Five (785) pieces of Five Penny 9. The total value of these seized foreign coins is Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty One Naira (48,975,281.00k) only.
“These items are classified under Item 18 of Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff, CET, which prohibits the importation of ‘Silver or Metal Alloy Coins not being legal tender in Nigeria.’
“In a related development, on 9th May 2025, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis with registration number GGE 667 JN along the Badagry-Lagos expressway. The vehicle was found to be conveying Six (6) canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be improvised explosive device concealed beneath five cartons of the Holy Qur’an. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure.
“Other notable seizures during the period include: Five Hundred and Fifty Three (553) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), One Thousand Four Hundred and Fifteen (1,415) bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), Seven Hundred and Fifty (750) kegs of PMS (30kg each), Thirty (30) cartons of Tobacco, Fifty (50) cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One (1) boat and engine, Fifty (50) bales of second-hand clothing, Five (5) Vehicles (means of conveyance) and also Unregistered pharmaceuticals, including Four Hundred and Twenty (420) bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection (5ml)
“The total Duty Paid Value, DPV of all seizures during the period under review is Six Hundred and Sixty Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty Six Naira (N669,785,236.00k) only.”
The Seme Customs boss revealed that in line with the commitment of the command to inter-agency collaboration, they would be handing over the seized Cannabis Sativa, Corrosive Mercury canisters and unregistered pharmaceuticals to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution. This, he said, also highlights their readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security.
The CAC, therefore, used the opportunity to alert the general public on the activities of fraudsters who impersonate officers of the Seme Area Command, claiming to uction or sell vehicles. “These scammers often operate via social media and other informal platforms.
“The Command dissociates itself from any such illegal activity. Please note that the Nigeria Customs Service does not sell or auction seized items via WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or any unverified platforms. Only follow verified social media handles bearing the official blue tick or any communication directly from the Nigeria Customs Service”, he warned.
While commending the gallant officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their steadfastness, professionalism, and integrity, the Controller also thanked the stakeholders and partners, including the media, for their continued support and collaboration assuring that “We remain fully committed to our mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling.”
“We shall not be deterred by mischief-makers or their propaganda. The Command will continue to work diligently in the interest of national economic development and security”, he added.
He, however, appealed to parents and guardians residing in border communities to counsel their wards and youths to refrain from engaging in smuggling activities and to avoid being used as instruments to obstruct law enforcement officers in the discharge of their legitimate duties.
