COMPT ORAMALUGO GIVES SMUGGLERS A BLOODY NOSE; MAKES HUGE SEIZURES WORTH N267 MILLION ,WITH N743 MILLION AS REVENUE IN A MONTH
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Just in one month after he assumed office, Compt Ben Oramalugo says the Seme/Badagry command made a seizure of prohibited items worth more than N267 million in February alone. In his maiden news briefing today, he told journalists that huge volume of drugs were intercepted by his men.
Others are 240 kegs of premium motor spirit, 1809 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of clothes and 203 pieces of used tyres.
As part of its core mandate of Revenue Generation, the Seme Area Command has generated a total revenue of Seven Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Naira and Sixteen Kobo (₦743,728,652.16k) only for the month of February 2025. This remarkable achievement underscores our commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.
According to him, the Command facilitated a total of over Twenty-Eight Thousand metric tonnes (28,395.293) equivalent to Eight Hundred and Six (806) trucks of export produce for the month of February 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira (N 7,852,172,249.00k) only, which is equivalent to Four Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Seven Dollars, Seventy-Eight Cents (4,995,527.78 USD) only.The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was Thirty-Nine Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Twenty-Five Kobo (N 39, 260, 861.25k) only. The total surcharge during the month of February is Two Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Three Naira (N 2, 433, 433.00k) only.The Command will leverage on the trade facilitation initiatives to foster a more efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.
The achievements of the Seme Area Command within this short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his NCS Management Team, the dedication and professionalism of our officers, the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration as well as stakeholder engagement.
They have recorded significant strides, also remain resolute in their commitment to strengthening our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhancing surveillance and patrol activities to eliminate smuggling operations as well as deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks.
The Controller uses the opportunity to warn smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated. Smuggling is an act of economic sabotage, and the Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.I strongly advise all individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine our country’s economy.
To enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance, the Command has undertaken critical restructuring of key sections. This has led to strategic redeployment of officers for better vigilance and proactive border security operations and Increased accountability and improved revenue collection.I am pleased to report that these reforms have already yielded positive results.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving their objectives, he engaged with key stakeholders, including Traditional Rulers and Security Agencies to foster strong relationships with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.These engagements have facilitated improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, reinforcing our commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling. Our mission at Seme Area Command extends beyond revenue collection—it encompasses national security and economic growth, which are best achieved through strong institutional partnerships.
Since taking over as the Area Controller, the Command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration. These efforts align with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who has emphasized synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and strengthen border security.
The proactive measures we have implemented in fostering collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency, boosting revenue generation, and intensifying anti-smuggling efforts are already yielding tangible results.
We remain committed to sustaining these efforts to ensure even greater service delivery in the months ahead.I would like to express my sincere appreciation to:The Comptroller-General of Customs, and his Management Team for their unwavering support by providing equipment in carrying out our mandate.Also, our security and inter-agency partners for their collaboration as well as the media for their role in disseminating our activities to the general public.