Lagos: The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a revenue generation milestone, collecting N3.5 billion between January and May. The announcement was made by the Controller of the command, Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, during a visit by the Zonal Coordinator of the NCS, Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oramalugo disclosed that the command facilitated export consignments amounting to 220,300 metric tonnes, valued at N47 billion Free on Board (FOB). Additionally, the command’s anti-smuggling operations resulted in seizures worth N889 million, including expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana, and corrosive mercury. These items were handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation.
Oramalugo also acknowledged several challenges faced by the command, including a seven-year power outage, poor road infrastructure, non-functional scanning equipment, and border porosity. He emphasized ongoing efforts for infrastructure upgrades, the deployment of modern surveillance tools, and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies and local communities to address these issues.
In his remarks, Orbih commended the leadership of the command for initiatives such as the renovation of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) building, upgrading of the sports complex, and commissioning of the officers’ mess. He noted that these projects align with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, whose transformation agenda focuses on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Orbih highlighted the zone’s significant contributions to national revenue, accounting for 79.8 percent of the NCS’s N1.3 trillion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025. He reaffirmed the service’s modernisation journey through initiatives like the Advance Ruling System, Authorised Economic Operators programme, and the indigenous Customs Clearance system, B’Odogwu platform.
Orbih outlined the service’s operational strategy for 2025, which includes trade modernization, enhanced risk management, and operationalisation of the NCS university. Other focus areas are strengthening international partnerships under the AfCFTA framework, implementing a robust Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, and promoting open governance through increased transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Orbih charged the officers and men of the command to continue upholding professionalism, integrity, and innovation, stating that the bar had been raised for Zone A. He expressed confidence in the ability of the command and other units under the zone to not only sustain but surpass current achievements in service to the nation.
