Published May 15, 2025
By Obaro Becky
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, said it facilitated 2,029 export trucks with a Free-on-Board value of N16.9bn between March and May 2025.
The command also added that within the period under review, the National Export Supervision Scheme fees stood at N84.5m.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, stated this while showcasing some of the seized contraband to journalists at the command on Wednesday.
He also announced that the command, through commitment and professionalism, generated total revenue of N847m within the period under review.
Oramalugo maintained that the achievement reflects the command’s sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate money due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.
“In line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports, the command facilitated the movement of 2,029 trucks, equivalent to over 88,036.15 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods between 14th March to 13th May 2025. These exports had a FOB value of N16.9bn while the NESS fees stood at N84.5m,” Oramalugo said.
He reiterated that the achievement underscored the command’s role as a critical trade enabler and contributor to national economic growth through efficient border management and support to local manufacturers.
Speaking of the anti-smuggling achievements, the CAC mentioned that in March, the officers, while in stop and search, intercepted a motorcyclist along Owode Road.
Giving details of the seizures, he said that upon interception, the rider abandoned a bag and escaped.
“Upon examination, the bag was found to contain various foreign coins, including, 49 pieces of two-dollar coins, 1,048 pieces of one-pound coin, 130 pieces of 25 Canadian Cents, 236 pieces of 50 pence, 645 pieces of 20 pence, 420 pieces of 10 pence, 370 pieces of Five pence,” he stated.
According to him, in April, operatives of the command intercepted a Mazda vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled items along the Badagry-Seme Expressway.
“After a thorough check, the vehicle was found to contain 940 pieces of one-pound coins, 80 pieces of two-pound coins, 338 pieces of 50 pennies, 540 pieces of 20 pennies, and 785 pieces of 5 pennies,” Oramalugo said.
He mentioned that the total value of these seized foreign coins is N48.9m, stressing that the items are classified under Item 18 of Schedule 4 of the Common External Tariff, which prohibits the importation of “silver or metal alloy coins not being legal tender in Nigeria.”
“In a related development, in May, our operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a red Toyota Avensis along the Badagry-Lagos Expressway. The vehicle was found to be conveying six canisters of corrosive mercury suspected to be an improvised explosive device. One suspect was arrested in connection with this seizure,” he added.
The Seme Custom boss highlighted that one notable seizure during the period under review was the interception of 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, “1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 750 kegs of PMS, 30 cartons of tobacco, 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One boat and engine, 50 bales of second-hand clothing, five vehicles as means of conveyance and also unregistered pharmaceuticals, including 420 bottles of CA-C100 Vitamin C and Haldol injection (5ml).”
“The total duty paid value of all seizures during the period under review is N669m,” he added.
Oramalugo stressed that in line with the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the seized cannabis sativa, corrosive mercury canisters, and unregistered pharmaceuticals would be handed over to the relevant agencies for discreet investigative action and possible prosecution.
“This also highlights our readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security,” he said.
He reiterated that the command remains fully committed to its core 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. Additionally, we appeal 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,” he concluded.
