Nigeria Customs Service Seme Command Strengthens Stakeholder Relations for Security and Trade
Badagry, Lagos State – February 20, 2025 – In a strategic effort to enhance security and trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has reinforced its collaboration with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, led a series of courtesy visits to prominent traditional leaders and security formations in Badagry on February 19 and 20, 2025. These engagements underscore the Command’s commitment to fostering stronger relationships, reinforcing border security, and streamlining trade operations.
During the visits, Comptroller Oramalugo paid homage to the Oba Akran of Badagry and the Oba of Iberoko, acknowledging the vital role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and order. He stressed the importance of synergy between Customs and local authorities in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for legitimate trade.
To further strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the Customs boss met with heads of security agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, the Nigerian Army 243 RECCE Battalion Regiment, the Nigerian Police Division, Badagry, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Discussions centered on intelligence-sharing, improving border security, and fostering a unified approach to tackling smuggling and transborder crimes.
Comptroller Oramalugo reaffirmed that effective stakeholder engagement remains a cornerstone of the Command’s strategy to optimize revenue generation, enhance border security, and support national development.
“Our mission at Seme Area Command goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to ensuring national security and fostering economic growth. Strong partnerships with traditional institutions and security agencies are crucial in achieving these objectives,” he stated.
Reiterating his commitment to inter-agency collaboration, he added, “When I was posted to Seme Area Command, the Comptroller-General of Customs instructed me to build synergy with sister agencies to combat smuggling. I need your cooperation to succeed in this mission. When we are overwhelmed by smugglers, we count on your support to tackle them. We are all working towards the same goal of national security and economic stability.”
The engagements reflect the Nigeria Customs Service’s proactive approach to border security and trade facilitation, reinforcing its dedication to safeguarding national interests through strategic partnerships.
Isah Sulaiman
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command
For: Customs Area Controller
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