SEIZURES GALORE IN SEME/BADAGRY COMMAND; AS REVENUE/ANTI-SMUGGLING EXPERT—COMPT ADENUGA EXCELS ON ALL FRONTS:
*GENERATES N1.5 BILLION
*INTERCEPTS ABOUT N2 BILLION SEIZURES IN SEPT
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
A new chapter has opened up at the Seme/Badagry customs command with the coming of a revenue/ anti-smuggling expert, Compt Wale Adenuga.
Just one month after his assumption of office, it is seizures galore, as he has intercepted five truckloads of expired flour, totaling 10,000 bags originating from Egypt, 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa and 120 packs of tramadol.
Others include 150 bales of second hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup as well as 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice.
The duty paid value of all the seizures is worth N1,999,093,429.00.
He said under the renewed vigour inspired by the Comptroller General, the command generated N1,500,029,233.88, in September 2025, compared to N531,462,332.45 collected in August 2025, representing an exceptional increase of over 182 percent.
These results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare. Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.
During the period under review, their operatives through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration, made significant seizures notably:
• Five (5) trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ten Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,210,300,000.00) only, intercepted in a joint operation with NAFDAC.
• The health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
• Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.
• One Thousand One Hundred and Four (1,104) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) intercepted through actionable intelligence. The social and psychological toll of such substances on our youth can not be overstated.
• One Hundred and Twenty (120) packs of tramadol 120mg seized by our operatives, with Two (2) suspects handed over to the NDLEA, Seme Command on October 7th, 2025 for further investigation.
He said,Under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.
Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared Trade Facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated.
Guided by the CGC’s commitment to transparency and modernization, the Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
This outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the CGC’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency and data-driven monitoring of goods as well as the dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service.
In alignment with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil exports and in direct compliance with the CGC’s directive to promote legitimate export trade, the Command facilitated the export of Fifty-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Point Four Six Metric Tonnes (53,989.46) metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of Seven Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira and Seventy-Eight Kobo (₦7,969,376,198.78) only.
The total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at Thirty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Naira, Forty-Two Kobo (₦39,868,354.42) only.
These exports, comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods, demonstrate the renewed confidence of exporters in the Seme Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
“It is worthy of note to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy (NN), for their support in the fight against smuggling in this corridor. The NN FOB Badagry has demonstrated that we are partners in this fight against smuggling by severally handing over foreign parboiled rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and its surrounding, we really appreciate them for that.”
In alignment with the CGC’s emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, the Command convened 2 major stakeholders’ engagements from 6–7 October, 2025. The first meeting brought together Heads of Security Agencies, traditional rulers, and critical stakeholders along the Seme–Krake corridor, where far-reaching resolutions were reached to address multiple checkpoints, extortion and other trade impediments.
“All agencies reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating unnecessary checkpoints and ensuring the seamless movement of legitimate goods and persons without compromising national security. The second engagement involved our Benin Republic Customs counterparts, businessmen and licensed Customs agents from both sides of the border. This collaborative forum aimed to harmonize border operations and further strengthen the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor, reflecting the CGC’s regional integration agenda.”
“Gentlemen of the press, under the visionary leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Seme Area Command remains resolute in balancing the triad of Revenue Generation, Trade Facilitation and National Security.”
“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.”
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint.”
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the entire management team for their unwavering support, visionary leadership, and invaluable mentorship.”
“My sincere appreciation also goes to the Military, the NPF, DSS, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant security agencies for their continuous collaboration. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders, as well as the good people of Badagry Local Government, for their remarkable cooperation and partnership.”
“I equally commend the hardworking members of the press (our steadfast partners in progress).”
“To our esteemed stakeholders and, above all, the dedicated officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, your commitment, diligence and excellence remain the driving force behind our collective success. You are all deeply appreciated. Your dedication continues to inspire this Command’s achievements and strengthen our resolve to serve with integrity and distinction.”