Customs
Seme border rakes in N15.598 billion in 2025
–warns smugglers to steer clear of Seme – Benin Republic trading corridor
Funso OLOJO
The Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a bountiful revenue harvest of a whooping sum of N15.598 billion in 2025, a revenue feat which surpassed the N7.2 billion taking in 2024 by 117 percent.
According to the statement by the border command, the Seme command raked in the sum of N3.6 billion in December, 2025,the highest monthly revenue ever recorded in the history of the command.
The revenue feat has been attributed to the effective rollout of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, which improves the Command’s coordination and trade facilitation for stakeholders.
On November 11th, 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, featuring an empowerment programme that distributed industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants to members of the COWA Seme Chapter.
On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, delivering essential healthcare to over 1,000 beneficiaries, alongside a tree-planting exercise for environmental sustainability.
In alignment with the Comptroller-General’s directive, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has successfully reduced checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to the two locations approved by the Federal Government, significantly easing legitimate trade, minimising delays and contributing to the Command’s outstanding revenue performance.
The Command also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, seizing in December 2025; 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg) an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug, through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.
Comptroller Adenuga warned smugglers that the Seme borders are no longer safe for illicit activities.
With advanced intelligence, technology and unwavering vigilance, the Officers/men of the Command will intercept and prosecute offenders.
He advised Smugglers to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
Conversely, legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders are assured of a safe, conducive and efficiently facilitated Seme corridor, with seamless processes and reduced delays to support genuine cross-border commerce and economic growth.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the Management for their steadfast support and leadership.
He also thanked the Command’s officers and men, stakeholders, sister agencies, military and paramilitary forces, the media, traditional and community leaders for their invaluable contributions, while pledging even greater achievements in 2026.
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Customs
Oyo/Osun Customs Command collects 27.2billon revenue in Q1 2026
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has posted an impressive 95% increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Led by Acting Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, the command generated ₦27.2 billion between January and March 2026, up from ₦13.97 billion in Q1 2025.
A breakdown of the generated revenue revealed that the command raked in a total sum of N5,977,766,941.65 in January 2026 which was about N2 billion lower (23% down) than the total sum of N7,804,408,776.88 collected in the same period of 2025.
However, despite a dip in January, revenue rebounded strongly in February and March.
In February , the command’s revenue collection jumped up astronomically to a total sum of N8,767,974,864.40 against the very low total revenue of N2,289,193,870 realized in the corresponding period of 2025.
This year’s February revenue is over 383% higher than the revenue collected the same period last year.
February’s performance was the standout, with collections nearly quadrupling year-on-year.
In March 2026, Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative ingenuity and thoroughness further shored up the revenue generation of the command in the month under review to a total sum of N12,454,516,158.62.
In the corresponding period of last year, the command’s generated revenue was a patry sum of N3,877,668,667.
This year’s March revenue achievement represents 321% rise over last year’s.
Acting Comptroller Adewole’s administrative reforms and enforcement measures are credited with driving the surge.
Overall, the command’s Q1 results underscore a significant improvement in efficiency and compliance, positioning Oyo/Osun as one of the strongest performing Customs Commands in the country.
Customs
Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has reached out to traditional rulers and sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu,expressed the readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
Customs
SIFAX Group sponsors Customs feature film “Novara”
– a story- telling movie on the sacrifices, resilience of customs officers in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders
Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
In a landmark evening that brought together the worlds of commerce, security, and storytelling, SIFAX Group was prominently recognised as a major sponsor at the star-studded premiere of ‘Novara’, the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) debut feature film, held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Viva Cinemas, Jara Mall, Ikeja, Lagos.
The high-profile event, which drew senior customs officials, industry leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and entertainment figures, marked an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s institutional storytelling, with the NCS leveraging the power of cinema to illuminate the bravery and sacrifices of its officers in the relentless fight against smuggling.
Representing SIFAX Group at the event was Mrs Ololade Dawodu, Head of Clearing and Forwarding at SIFAX Shipping, who delivered an address that drew a direct line between the film’s narrative and the realities of maritime operations at Nigeria’s ports.
She noted that the story resonates strongly with real-life operations at Tin Can Island Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways and a critical hub within SIFAX Group’s operational landscape.
“For those of us in the industry, the sight of cargo ships and port operations is familiar but this film takes us beyond the surface, revealing the high-stakes reality that underpins global logistics.” she said.
Dawodu emphasised that the story goes beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to the courage and resilience of officers who protect the nation’s economic lifelines.
She pointed to the film’s portrayal of loss and sacrifice as a sobering reminder of the human cost tied to security enforcement.
“At SIFAX Group, we believe that a secure maritime sector is the backbone of a thriving economy. Without security, trade cannot flourish.” she stated.
SIFAX Group’s partnership with the initiative did not go unnoticed.
The film’s producer, Agozie Ugwu, and the Superintendent of Customs 1, Mr Okpanachi Adejoh, both publicly commended SIFAX Group’s contributions to the project’s success, describing the Group’s sponsorship as instrumental in bringing the story to the screen at the scale it deserved.
The premiere concluded on a reflective note, with guests commending both the storytelling and the collaboration between the creative industry and key institutions.
For SIFAX Group, the evening reinforced a clear message: sustainable growth in trade and logistics depends not only on infrastructure and expertise, but also on unwavering commitment to security.
About ‘Novara’
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Agozie Ugwu and featuring veteran Nollywood actors Francis Duru and Ray Adeka, Novara tells the story of a dedicated customs officer navigating the dangers of undercover operations, while also shedding light on the personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel.
Through its narrative, the film highlights the often-unseen risks involved in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The film follows Superintendent Panshak Asiya, an undercover Customs officer who risks everything, including the safety of his family, to dismantle one of the country’s most dangerous smuggling syndicates.
Beyond its gripping action sequences, the film explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the unseen human cost of law enforcement.
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