Seme Customs Command Strengthens Inter-Agency Collaboration, … Generates #7.852 Billion on Export in One Month

Seme Customs Command Strengthens Inter-Agency Collaboration,
… Generates #7.852 Billion on Export in One Month.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has engaged with key stakeholders to foster a strong relationship with major stakeholders in other to reinforce security measures and promote seamless trade facilitation in the region.

The engagement have facilitated improved intelligence sharing and coordination, reinforcing the Command’s commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling.

However, the mission of the command extends beyond revenue collection, it also encompasses national security and economic growth, which are best achieved through strong institutional partnership.

Briefing Journalists, Dr Ben Oramalugo PhD, Cert Harvard, FCIA, FNIM, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Seme said, the command generated the sum of Seven Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Two Naira, Sixteen Kobo only (#743,728,652.16) for the month of February 2025. The remarkable performance underscores our commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection of duty for national development.

On trade facilitation, the command facilitated a total of over Twenty-Eight Thousand Metric tons (28,395.293) equivalent to Eight Hundred and Six (806) trucks of export produce for the month of February, 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) valued #7,852,172, 249.00 which is equivalent to $4,995,527.78.

The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was #39,260,861.25 Kobo only while total surcharge for the month under review is #2,433,433.00 Kobo only. On Anti-smuggling operations, the command confiscated several prohibited items which include; Four Hundred and Forty-Four (444) parcels of Cannabis Sativa, one hundred and eighty-one packs or Tramadol, Six Hundred (600) bottles of Codeine syrup (100ml each), Two Hundred and Forty Kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit ( PMS).

Others are, 1,809 bags of parboiled (50kg) rice, Seventeen (17) sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of Used Clothes and Two Hundred and Three (203) pieces of used Tyres with Duty Paid Value of #267,054,172.00′

Dr Ben Oramalugo said that the commands achievements within short period are as a result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his management, dedication and professionalism of our officers, effective deployment of intelligence driven strategies and robust Inter-agency collaboration, he stated.

Dr Ben Oramalugo therefore warn smugglers and their illegal activities will not be tolerated. According to him, “Smuggling is an act of economic sabotage and Seme Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest and prosecute offenders,” he said.