Seme Area Command Records Historic Revenue in 2025, Seizes Prohibited Substances

Seme Area Command Records Historic Revenue in 2025, Seizes Prohibited Substances

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded unprecedented revenue performance in 2025, posting its highest monthly and annual collections since the Command was established.

In December 2025 alone, the Command generated a record ₦3.63 billion, the highest monthly revenue in its history. The achievement has been attributed largely to the effective implementation of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which has enhanced coordination, efficiency and trade facilitation among stakeholders at the border.

Cumulatively, from January to December 2025, the Command generated a total revenue of ₦15.59 billion, representing a remarkable 117 per cent increase over the ₦7.16 billion recorded in 2024.

Beyond revenue generation, the Command also recorded significant milestones in community engagement and social responsibility. On November 11, 2025, it hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative, led by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi. The event featured an empowerment programme for members of the COWA Seme Chapter, with the distribution of industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders, as well as start-up grants.

On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, providing essential healthcare services to over 1,000 beneficiaries. A tree-planting exercise was also carried out as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability.

In line with the Comptroller-General’s directive, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, has reduced checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor to the two locations approved by the Federal Government. The measure has significantly eased the movement of legitimate trade, reduced delays and contributed to the Command’s improved revenue performance.

The Command also sustained strong anti-smuggling operations during the period. In December 2025, officers intercepted and seized 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. The seizures were made through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.

Comptroller Adenuga warned smugglers that the Seme border is no longer safe for illicit activities, stressing that with improved intelligence, technology and heightened vigilance, offenders will be intercepted and prosecuted. He urged those involved in smuggling to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He, however, assured legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders of a safe, efficient and business-friendly Seme corridor, with streamlined processes and reduced delays to support genuine cross-border commerce and economic growth.

The Customs Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Service management for their support and leadership. He also commended officers and men of the Command, stakeholders, sister agencies, security forces, the media, as well as traditional and community leaders for their cooperation, while pledging even greater achievements in 2026.