Connect with us

Customs

How Comptroller Adenuga is raising revenue profile of Seme command, facilitating regional trade.

Funso OLOJO 
The assumption of duties by Comptroller Wale Adenuga as the Area controller of Seme  command of the Nigeria Customs service has begun to have positive impact on the revenue profile of the border station.
Comptroller Adenuga, who was behind the phenomenal revenue runs of the Apapa Customs when he was the Deputy Comptroller, Revenue, was promoted to full Comptroller and was tapped on the back by the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to go and raise the revenue standard of the border station.
Barely two months into his assumption of duties,  Seme border has started to feel the positive impact of the revenue wizardry of Adenuga.
In an exclusive interview with our Reporter in his modest office at Seme border, Adenuga said he met the monthly revenue taking of the border at N500 million when he assumed office in September 9th, 2025.
But deploying ingenious methods of trade facilitation, staff welfare and inter- agency collaboration, the revenue profile of the border has climbed to about  N3 billion as at the last week of November, 2025.
Sharing the secret of his instant success at the border station while conducting our Reporter on a guided tour of the facilities at the command, Comptroller Adenuga said he deployed the tools of trade facilitation, staff welfare through creation of conducive working environment, stakeholders engagement and strong inter- agency collaboration for effective service delivery.
Trade Facilitation: 
The first thing Comptroller Adenuga did was to energise the dormant bonded terminal at the border called God is Wise bonded terminal to handle transire goods from Nigeria to Cotonou, Benin Republic and vice- versa.
This has led to the boom in regional trade across the borders as transactions of legitimate businesses take between six to eight hours in a seamless process.
“The Only God is Wise bonded terminal at Seme border is licensed by the Nigeria customs service.
” It has been approved before I assumed office here but was not functional.
” When I came, I looked at the volume of trade and in order to facilitate regional trade, I  decided to make the terminal functional.
” With the help of the Headquarters, we deployed full ICT infrastructures to the terminal, we posted required officers there such as releasing officers, gate officers and exit officers.
” The bonded terminal has full complement of customs operations.
” People can send their transire goods from Lagos Cotonou, e route the bonded terminal.
” Similarly, you can do a transire from Cotonou to Nigeria e route the bonded terminal.
” Just put Only God is Wise bonded terminal and the goods will come into the terminal where the container would be unstuffed and loaded into a truck for its  journey to its final destination after all the necessary customs documentation and payment are made”
Adenuga said this procedure has boosted regional trade and enhanced the revenue profile of the border station.
“A lot of people see goods at the border as  smuggled goods.
” That is not true. There are legitimate goods at the border.
” So with this  bonded terminal, it shows that legitimate business can be done at the border and they pay duties into the federal government coffers.
“You know, if you go to the port, you’ll see container number so-so-so. But from here, it’s truck number. So this is  to serve as accountability and to avert fraud.
“So every Kobo collected goes into the federation account.
Staff Welfare: 
Comptroller Adenuga said on his assumption of duties, one of his priorities was to enhance staff welfare for optimum productivity.
Consequent upon this, he said his management renovated the staff quarters which has been in shambles over the years.
He said the place is well- lit at night with other recreational amenities such as functional officers mess which make the working environment conducive.
“The Officers are high in spirit and are putting in their maximum efforts into the job.
” We work till around 7 to 8  pm to ensure there is no backlog of untreated entries.
” This could be achieved because the officers are happy and their morale is boosted by the humane environment in which they are working” Onanuga declared.
In addition, the Comptroller said he has renovated the examination bay at the border which is well- lit at night.
” We achieved all these to boost the morale of our men and officers to put in their best.
” And this has paid off with their high productivity rate” the Comptroller declared.
Stakeholders collaboration:
Comptroller Adenuga said he conducts regular stakeholders meetings, especially with the Obas, Chiefs, Baales of the border communities to engender good rapport and cordial relationship with the border communities which he believed is necessary for uninterrupted customs operations in the area.
He also said that he has a good working relationship with his Beninuou counterpart for seamless cross – border operations.
‌
Comptroller Adenuga also takes synergy between his command and other sister agencies at the border such as NDLEA, Immigration, Police and NAFDAC,very seriously.
” We do hold regular meetings where we have frank discussions with one another on the need to ensure seamless cross – border trade and work towards achieving same purpose of realizing government vision of enthroning friendly business environment at the border.
” We talk as brothers, we talk as friends, we talk with one voice” the Customs chief declared.
Adenuga said such collaboration has led to drastic reduction of check points along Seme border to Agbara, in Ogun state.
According to him , when he assumed duties in September, he met between 20 to 30 customs checkpoints along the corridor but said the numbers have reduced drastically.
” We have been able to collapse some of these checkpoints to reduce their numbers.
“We have two approved Customs checkpoints between Seme and Agbara and they are at Agbara and Gbaji.
“However,  we have about three to four roving checkpoints which are interventionist in nature.
” They are not stationary but roving as interventionists” the Comptroller said.
” All the security agencies know there is need to reduce checkpoints on the road because the development is shameful to us as a nation”
Comptroller Adenuga has recorded these achievements within the two months he assumed duties at the border station.
His impact has however reverberated across the border so much so that a Non- Governmental Organization(NGO)of ECOWAS called The Corridor, has commended him for his action.
“To God be the glory, we have an NGO, we call it The Corridor.
“The Corridor is an NGO of ECOWAS that monitors all the ECOWAS borders.
“And they came here to look at what is happening in Seme right now and they gave us a kudo because one, we facilitate a lot of trade. You know, this is cross-border trade.
“So there have been a lot of improvements in the cross-border trade between Nigeria and other West African countries” Comptroller Adenuga declared.
Challenges:
Adenuga disclosed that his main challenge at the border station is lack of scanning machine.
According to him, the one donated by the ECOWAS is spoilt.
He said he would have loved to have a functional scanner that will further enhance trade facilitation.
But he took solace in the fact that the CGC Adeniyi has taken up the matter with the President of the ECOWAS.
“Yeah, we have challenges. For example, the scanners. Yeah, the issue of scanners.
“I would have loved to do scanning because this will reduce time of examination.
” Yeah, we are still on 100 percent examination because there is no scanner on ground but with scanner, I can scan 10 consignments within 10 minutes.
” The only scanner which the ECOWAS donated to us is spoilt but the CGC has taken it up with the ECOWAS president.
” So with the CGC taking it upon himself, and I think very soon, with the
volume of trade going on here, I think it will be repaired and put in place” Adenuga enthused.
Projections:
Adenuga said in the next few years, he wanted to see Seme- Krake border command rival the conventional Ports of Apapa and Tin Can commands in revenue generation and also to be the biggest border station in West Africa.
He said by the time he is leaving as the Area Controller of the border station, he envisage the border command to be  grossing between 5 and 6 billion Naira monthly.
“Yeah, I want a situation that in the nearest future, Seme border will be the number one in West Africa where legitimate businesses can be done seamlessly.
“Let’s grow the trade between the
West African countries.
“Let’s grow the trade. When we grow the trade across the borders, among the West African countries, the level of inflation will drop. That’s correct.
“Two, unemployment among all these West African countries will reduce.
” You know the level of crime is high in the region but the more our inflation drops, companies are producing, people can trade among themselves,  you’ll discover that crime rates will reduce.
” And then, you know, when all these
things are done, our revenue will increase.
“I’m projecting that by the grace of almighty God, by the time I’m leaving Seme, the revenue of Seme Command should be dangling between 5 billion and 6 billion monthly.
” Then Seme border will be competing with the conventional Ports in Lagos” Adenuga enthused.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Customs

Relief as Customs grants January 31st, 2026 extension for fast track operators to migrate to AEO

Funso Olojo
The Nigeria Customs Service has now extended the earlier December 31st, 2025 deadline for the migration of importers from fast track scheme to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) to January 31st, 2026.
The extension, according to the Customs Authority, is meant to absorb more fast track operators into the AEO programme, deepen trade facilitation, secure supply chain and strengthen compliance in line with global standards.
As a result of the extension, Customs high command advised all existing Fast Track beneficiaries who are yet to complete their migration are to initiate and conclude their AEO applications through the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng.
“The extended timeline provides operators with ample opportunity to meet programme requirements and secure AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.
” For enquiries, technical support, or guidance, stakeholders may reach the dedicated helpdesk via aeo@customs.gov.ng.
“Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.
The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative that grants trusted operators enhanced benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection levels, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade.
” The extension reinforces the Service’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive transition process for all stakeholders.
“This decision to fully migrate from the fast-track scheme to AEO is consistent with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
To further support stakeholders and sustain ongoing sensitisation efforts, the Service will convene another comprehensive Stakeholders Engagement Forum to provide practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and address compliance-related concerns.
 The forum is scheduled for Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos, from 0900hrs to 1600hrs.
“Participants will have the opportunity to interact with AEO implementation teams and obtain detailed information on programme requirements, benefits, and operational modalities.
“The NCS urges all fast-track beneficiaries to take advantage of the extension period, participate actively in the engagement forum, and complete their transition to the AEO Programme.
” This proactive involvement not only ensures compliance with applicable regulations but also enhances the supply chain’s effectiveness and sustainability, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits all parties.
“The Service remains committed to driving trade efficiency, enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness, protecting national revenue, and promoting a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance ecosystem that supports legitimate business” the agency declared.
Continue Reading

Customs

Again, Customs, NDLEA Collabo intercepts 2,374 packages of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

– Comptroller Oshoba warns illicit traders against daring resolve of Customs Officers at Yuletide season 
Funso OLOJO 
For the second times in a week,  the impregnable wall of surveillance mounted by the combination of the Apapa Customs and the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against the exit of  illicit drugs from Apapa Port has interdicted a 20- foot container marked FCIU 6369526 laden with 2,374 packages of cannabis concealed in 55 bags with a  total weight of 1,187kg.
This interception, the product of a credible intelligence, came barely 5 days both agencies uncovered 25.5kg cocaine in a Brazilian flagged vessel.
The latest seizure was suspected to be
Canadian Loud, an expensive strain of cannabis concealed inside an imported vehicles.
 Both agencies, in the course of joint examination, discovered the seizure which has been taken into the custody of the NDLEA.
A breakdown of the drugs indicates that they were packed in 500 grams per sachet
Speaking on the seizure, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, commended the robust synergy between the NCS and NDLEA while reiterating the service zero tolerance for smuggling.
 ” Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check. Our synergy as agencies of government will always put us ahead of criminal elements.
 “No matter the volume of trade we are processing, we will never sacrifice national security and economy for any form of trade.
“While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle eyed officers are activated to be alert at all times.
 ” Let me warn, once again for the umpteenth time, any trader- importer, exporter, freight forwarder or licensed customs agent that dares our resolve this Yuletide season and beyond ,will face the full wrath of the law.
“Investigations are ongoing on this seizure and we shall bring the perpetrators to book” Comptroller Oshoba said.
Continue Reading

Customs

Comptroller Aliyu vows to sustain onslaught on smugglers as he assumes duties at FOU A

Funso OLOJO 
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, the new controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU ) A of the Nigeria Customs Service, has expressed his determination to sustain the ongoing stranglehold on smugglers and other illicit traders within the Zone
Comptroller Aliu make this pledge on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 when he assumed duties as the helmsman of the Zone A anti- smuggling unit.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the opportunity to serve in the unit.
The new controller also commended outgoing Controller of the Unit, Muhammed Shuaibu, who has been elevated to an Assistant Comptroller General for his outstanding service, achievement and pledged to consolidate on them for greater success.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes.
“The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance,  suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our dear nation.
” I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come from this position especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos and its environment.
“However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant officers and men of this command , we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently.”
Aliyu, who until his new disposition, was the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/ Osun Command, outlined other key areas of focus that will guide the unit under his watch to include professional conduct and discipline among officers, stakeholders engagement as well as capacity building and welfare of officers.
He said, “High standards of ethics, discipline and integrity as well as accountability will remain non-negotiable.
” Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service.
“We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies ,community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.”
Aliyu assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity and fairness will guide the unit’s actions at all times.
He added that the unit’s operations under his watch would be underpinned by three cardinal objectives including management change, compliance management, and reputation management.
He called on all officers and stakeholders to join hands with him in this new role, promising to operate an open door policy.
Earlier, in his valedictory speech,  outgoing Controller, ACG Shuaibu, highlighted the unit’s major successes during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.
He stated that the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, comprising 761 seized items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over N10.151 billion.
Some of the notable seizures listed included: 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers).
 98 ‘tokunbo’vehicles, 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Others are 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 4 cylinders of Russian-made explosives (each weighing 50kg), seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling N31 million, which has been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Additionally, he said the unit within the review period arrested 38 suspects and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion to NAFDAC, among other items.
Beyond enforcement, ACG Shuaibu stated that the unit recovered a total sum of N419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on questionable declarations and undervalues, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.
He attributed the successes to the unwavering support of stakeholders and dedicated officers, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to Comptroller Aliu.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to sustain prudent stewardship and strengthen the fight against smuggling.
” To my successor, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your appointment. I wish you great success and have no doubt that your leadership will usher in new perspectives and further advancement in these pivotal roles, ” he said.
Continue Reading

Trending