Comptroller Wale Adenuga Makes Significant Strides In Revenue Generation, Anti- smuggling Operations, And Trade Facilitation
By Asuquo Nuwak
Comptroller Wale Adenuga Makes Significant Strides In Revenue Generation, Anti- smuggling Operations, And Trade Facilitation
••• Generate N1, 500, 029, 233.88 billion in September 2025, made significant seizures worth N1, 999, 093, 429.00 billion, and facilitated the export of 53,989 metric tonnes of good with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N7,969,376,198.78
In line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, and under the renewed vigour inspired by the CGC’S leadership, the Seme command of Nigeria Customs Service, generated a total sum of N1,500,029, 233.88 billion in September 2025, compared to the sum of N531, 462,332.45 million collected in August 2025, representing an exceptional increase of over 182 percent.
The Customs Area Controller of Seme Area command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed this at the maiden media briefing on the operational activities of Seme area command from 1st September to 9th October 2025, held at the COWA complex, Seme border, on 9th October 2025.
He noted that this outstanding performance reflect the effectiveness of the CGC’S reform agenda which is build on compliance, transparency, and data driven monitoring of goods, as well as the dedication of officers and men of the command, who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service.
Besides, he said guided by the CGC’s commitment to transparency and modernization, the Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
Commenting on non-oil export facilitation, he said in alignment with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil export and in direct compliance with the CGC’S directive to promote legitimate export trade, the command facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board FOB value of N7,969,376,198.78 billion.
Aside from this, he said the total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at ₦39,868,354.42
He noted that these exports, comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods, demonstrate the renewed confidence of exporters in the Seme Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).
Commenting on anti- smuggling operations, he said under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.
He disclosed that during the period under review, the operatives through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration, made significant seizures ranging from
5 trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of
₦1,210,300,000.00 billion, intercepted in a joint operation with NAFDAC.
He said the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
Beyond health implications, he added that such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.
The seized items include 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), intercepted through actionable intelligence, saying that the social and psychological toll of such substances on our youth can not be overstated.
Other items seized include 120 packs of tramadol 120mg seized by the operatives, with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA, Seme Command on October 7th, 2025 for further investigation.
The breakdown of the seized items include
2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine, 5 used vehicles, with the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of
₦1,999,093,429.00 billion for all the seizures.
According to him, these results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare.
He said the position of the command is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste, adding that it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.
He therefore commended Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy (NN), for their support in the fight against smuggling in this corridor.
Furthermore, he said the NN FOB Badagry has demonstrated that they are partners in this fight against smuggling by severally handing over foreign parboiled rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and its surrounding.
Commenting on the stakeholders engagement and inter-agency synergy, he said in alignment with the CGC’s emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, the command convened two major stakeholders’ engagements from 6–7 October, 2025.
He said the first meeting brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and critical stakeholders along the Seme–Krake corridor, where far-reaching resolutions were reached to address multiple checkpoints, extortion and other trade impediments.
In addition to this, he said all agencies reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating unnecessary checkpoints and ensuring the seamless movement of legitimate goods and persons without compromising national security.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga disclosed that the second engagement involved the Benin Republic Customs counterparts, businessmen and licensed customs agents from both sides of the border.
This collaborative forum, according to the report, was aimed to harmonize border operations and further strengthen the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor, reflecting the CGC’s regional integration agenda.
Commenting on commitment going forward, he said under the visionary leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Seme Area Command remains resolute in balancing revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga is quoted as saying that: “We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality”.
He is also quoted as saying that: ” Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint”.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the entire management team for their unwavering support, visionary leadership, and invaluable mentorship.
His sincere appreciation also goes to the Military, the NPF, DSS, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant security agencies for their continuous collaboration.
He also extended his heartfelt thanks to the traditional rulers and community leaders, as well as the good people of Badagry Local Government, for their remarkable cooperation and partnership.
He equally commended the hardworking members of the press, as their steadfast partners in progress.
Above all, he appreciated the
dedicated officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, for their commitment, diligence, as their excellence performance remain the driving force behind the collective success, adding that
their dedication continues to inspire the command’s achievements and strengthen their resolve to serve with integrity and distinction.
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