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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.
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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.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs  Service.
The  first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.
Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.
“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.
” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”
Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”
Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.
According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.
He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.
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Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion,  maritime reporter 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s  Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.
According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.
He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.
“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.
The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.
“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.
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He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.
He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad  Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
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