The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Border Post , JBP initiative, aimed at promoting cooperation with the Republic of Benin.
Controller of the Command, Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, made this known during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise to Seme on Monday. The Command’s spokesperson, Mr. Isah Sulaiman, issued a statement following the visit.
Oramalugo said the JBP facilitates intelligence sharing and streamlines customs clearance using a one-stop border post model, which he described as a vital hub for trade along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
He highlighted his leadership priorities since assuming office, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration.
“Under my leadership, the command has recorded significant achievements,” he stated. “The command generated N1.98 billion in the first quarter of 2025 through enhanced compliance, effective risk management, and robust enforcement.”
He added that export activities had risen, with over 96,000 metric tonnes of goods, valued at over N20.45 billion, processed between January and March 2025.
Oramalugo also reported multiple seizures within the same period, including petroleum products, narcotics, foreign rice, poultry, and vehicles, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N855.7 million.
READ ALSO: Customs issues first B’Odogwu PAAR
However, he raised concerns about operational challenges facing the command, such as poor infrastructure, limited personnel and equipment, over seven years of power outage in the Seme axis, and threats from ocean encroachment.
He called for urgent government support, particularly in the deployment of technology, environmental protection measures, and enforcement of stalled project contracts.
The controller thanked the committee for its visit, describing it as a demonstration of their commitment to enhancing Customs administration, trade facilitation, and national revenue.
Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Hon. Leke Abejide, praised the controller for his detailed report and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to evaluating the command’s operations, revenue performance, and capital projects in line with the 2023 and 2024 budgets.
“We are here to review your records, assess operations, and inspect ongoing projects to ensure proper alignment with allocated funds and determine adjustments for the 2025 budget,” Abejide said.
He emphasized the need for detailed data on revenue targets, the impact of the E-Customs initiative, digital platform integration, anti-smuggling efforts, and strategies to improve Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
Abejide also assured that the welfare of Customs officers remains a top priority and encouraged the command to present its most urgent needs for possible inclusion in the 2025 budget.
NAN
