Seme Border Customs Generates ₦1.5 Billion in September, A 182% Increase

By Lod Onyeji

The Seme Border Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a significant increase in revenue generation, collecting ₦1.5 billion in September 2025. This represents a 182% increase from the ₦531 million generated in August 2025.

Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the Customs Area Controller, attributed the impressive performance to the effective implementation of the Comptroller-General's reform agenda, built on compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods. He emphasized the Command's commitment to facilitating international trade, cracking down on smuggling, and enhancing revenue generation.

Anti-Smuggling Efforts: The Command has made significant seizures, including five per cent duty concession on vehicles imported by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS). The Command has also intercepted large quantities of smuggled goods, including expired flour, cannabis, tramadol, and foreign parboiled rice, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1.9 billion.

Trade Facilitation: The Command has facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦7.9 billion. The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee totaled ₦39.8 million. Comptroller Adenuga noted that the Command's efforts have renewed confidence in the Seme Border Area Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

Looking Ahead: Comptroller Adenuga has assured that the Command will continue to prioritize compliance, transparency, and innovation in its operations. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to channel resources into legitimate businesses that can empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.