*NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE SEME AREA COMMAND SEIZES MILLIONS IN SMUGGLED GOODS, BOOSTS REVENUE*

By Lod Onyeji

In a significant display of commitment to national security and revenue generation, the Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command has made notable strides in combating smuggling and enhancing revenue collection.

Between May 14 and July 24, 2025, the Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD FCIA FNIM, successfully intercepted and seized five trucks laden with smuggled goods, including 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing, valued at approximately ₦919.5 million.

The Command's anti-smuggling efforts have yielded impressive results, with a total Duty Paid Value of ₦1.27 billion for all seizures during the period. Additionally, the Seme Area Command generated ₦1.59 billion in revenue for the months of May and June 2025, reflecting its sustained efforts to block revenue leakages and collect legitimate revenue due to the Federal Government.

In a bid to promote legitimate trade, the Command facilitated the movement of 1,837 trucks, equivalent to over 116,723 metric tons of made-in-Nigeria goods, you with a Free On Board (FOB) value of ₦22.37 billion.

The Command's exceptional performance has earned commendation from various stakeholders, including the military and other security agencies, which have provided collaborative support. The Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management Team have also been lauded for their unwavering support.

As the Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command continues to strengthen its anti-smuggling efforts and revenue generation initiatives, it is poised to make even greater contributions to the nation's economic growth and development.