The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has generated over N9.7 billion in revenue between March and May 2026, while intensifying anti-smuggling operations that led to the seizure of prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of more than N500 million.
The Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, Comptroller Kaila disclosed this during his first media briefing since assuming office on March 18, 2026, describing the achievements as a reflection of improved operational efficiency, stakeholder collaboration and strengthened enforcement measures.
According to him, the command generated a total revenue of N9,798,938,969 within the review period, representing an increase of N7.6 billion when compared to the N2.1 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
He said the figure represented a remarkable 448 per cent growth rate, attributing the performance to improved compliance mechanisms, enhanced stakeholder cooperation, anti-revenue leakage strategies and the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System known as “B’Odogwu.”
The Comptroller noted that the command remained committed to sustaining the revenue growth through institutional reforms, intelligence-driven monitoring and transparent trade procedures that would not hinder legitimate business activities.
He explained that the Seme Area Command occupies a strategic position in regional and continental trade integration, particularly under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
As part of its trade facilitation mandate, the command said it had intensified engagement with licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, transport unions, importers, exporters and other stakeholders operating along the Seme-Badagry corridor.
The Comptroller added that the command had also been supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with export documentation and regulatory guidance to boost non-oil exports and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business.
On anti-smuggling activities, Kaila revealed that intelligence-led operations carried out within the last two months resulted in the interception of several prohibited items, including 800 parcels of suspected cannabis sativa.
He stated that the narcotics would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The command also intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and sexual enhancement drugs allegedly imported without certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Items seized included cartons of Ultimate Plus Mixture Syrup, herbal medicines, Super Sexy tablets, Machine Man tablets, Citrate 200mg tablets, Tramartine and Campendol products.
Other intercepted items included 2,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 340 kegs of foreign vegetable oil, 103 kegs of premium bottle spray, 993 cartons of foreign spaghetti and 250 bales of used clothing.
The Customs boss stated that the total Duty Paid Value of all seized items stood at N500,001,845.77.
He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling, warning economic saboteurs and cross-border criminals to desist from illegal activities.
Kaila also vowed to strengthen intelligence gathering, expand surveillance operations across land and maritime routes and deepen collaboration with relevant security and regulatory agencies. While urging legitimate traders to remain compliant with customs regulations, he maintained that compliance remained the safest and most cost-effective approach to international trade.
He commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism and resilience, while also appreciating stakeholders, host communities and the media for their continued support and cooperation.
The Seme Area Command Comptroller reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to balancing revenue generation, trade facilitation, border security and national economic development.
