Customs

Seme Customs hands over fake $6m to EFCC

The Eyewitness reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command has successfully thwarted the nefarious move to smuggle illegal items into Nigeria, one of which was; a fake $6m (equivalent of N2.763b) that has already been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission(EFCC) on Tuesday.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of Seme Command, Dera Nnadi, made this known to journalists, stressing that the Command is also adopting new strategies in line with the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of goods and persons to boost trade facilitation.

Comptroller Dera said that the Command has achieved huge success in the first quarter of 2023, as it facilitated 425 Trucks with fees amounting to N314, 720, 938.7. Also, the command assessed 412 baggage declarations with duty amounting to N58,844,382.

Comptroller Dera stated that the items imported include food products and beverages produced within the sub-region, while for export, the Command was able to intercept 1,243 trucks bearing 40,096.47 metric tons of made-in-Nigeria cargo declared on 165 Single Administrative Documents with Free On Board value of N4,291,322,887.19 kobo and National Export Supervision Scheme Fees of N21,456,551.83k.

“During the same period in 2022, 3006 trucks bearing 116,053.9 metric tons of cargo with FOB value of N6,597, 506, 993.28K with NESS Fee of N32,989,006.16 was recorded – and this, regrettably contains a shortfall in export to the tune of 75,000 metric tons of cargo due to competition between Dangote Cement and competitors in the cement market at Togo.” he added.

He said that the Command had also used other sources of generating revenue through auction sales of seized items especially petroleum products and other perishable items – which prompted them to generate the sum of N350,099,541.71 in the first quarter of 2023.

According to Comptroller Dera, the total difference of revenue generated for the first quarter of 2023 compared to that in 2022 was N105,095,708.76k or 23.09 percent, short of N455,195,250,.47k collected in the corresponding period in 2022.

He highlighted that the deficit gained was due to the pause in activities during the cashless policy and the wait by the traders for the outcome of the general election.

In the area of anti-smuggling, Comptroller Dera stated that the Command seized 2,242 bags of 50kg with Duty Paid Value of N72,700,480; 7,587 by 30 liters of Premium Motor Spirit equivalent of 227,610 liters or Seven Tanker loads of PMS with duty paid value of N51,075,684 and 550 pieces of donkey skin with duty paid value of N10, 689,504.

Other seized items were: 6 Maltese International Passports with the same picture of a lady but bearing different names, 2 Senegalese International Passports, 3 Togolese International Passports, 4 Republic of Benin International Passports, 1 Republic of Niger International Passports and 10 International Driving License of these various countries.

He maintained that the seized items will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on the order of the CGC and in line with the Service’s desire to consolidate the synergy between NCS and partner agencies.

In addition to the Command’s seizures, were 1160 pieces of dead rats, 1102 pieces of dead tiny birds and 34 pieces of monkey skin, and 14 parcels of cannabis sativa.

He said that the Command will continue to dialogue, engage, sensitize, and educate the public on the socio-economic implication of smuggling as well as perform the statutory function of enforcing compliance in line with Government Fiscal Policies.

Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.

Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.

Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.

According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.

Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.

In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.

The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.

In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.

Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.

Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.

He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.

According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.

He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.

Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter

Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.

In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.

Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.

Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.

He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.

He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.

Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.