Comptroller Ben Oramalugo Records Significant Strides In Anti-smuggling Operations

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By Asuquo Nuwak

Comptroller Ben Oramalugo Records Significant Strides In Anti-smuggling Operations

•••Reaffirms commitment to enhancing surveillance and patrol activities to eliminate smuggling operations and deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks.

In pursuance of the agenda of the comptroller-General of Customs, the Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, made significant impact in the area of anti-smuggling operations, which has resulted in the interception of several prohibited items, ranging from 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of codeine syrup (100ml each) and 240 kegs of petroleum motor spirit.

Further breakdown of the intercepted items included 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of used clothes and 203 pieces of used tyres, with the total Duty Paid Value of the seizures at N267, 054,172.00.

The Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo who said these seizures contravene relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2024, also reaffirm its commitment to suppressing smuggling within the Seme border corridor.

Dr. Ben Oramalugo further noted that, with the approval of the CGC, the seized cannabis sativa (marijuana) has been handed over to the commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme command, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration.

In line with its core mandate of revenue generation, he said Seme Area Command has generated a total revenue of N743, 728, 652. 16 million only for the month of February 2025.

He stated that this remarkable achievements underscores the commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.

In the area of trade facilitation, he said the command has facilitated a total of 28, 395.293 metric tonnes, equivalent to 806 trucks of export produce for the month of February 2025, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N7, 852, 172, 249.00 billion only, which is equivalent to $ 4,995, 527.78 only.

Dr Ben Oramalugo said the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) was paid N39, 266, 861.25 million only.

In addition to this, he said the total surcharge during the month of February is N2, 433, 433.00 million only, disclosing that the the command will leverage on the trade for initiative to foster a more efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.

The Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, disclosed this during a maiden media briefing to provide an overview of the operational activities since his assumption of office on the 11 February 2025.

He said, since he has taken over as the Customs Area Controller, the command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations and inter-agency collaboration.

Beside this, Dr. Ben Oramalugo disclosed that these efforts align with the mandate of the Service and the vision of the comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who has emphasized synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and strengthen border security.

In the area of inter-agency collaboration and stakeholders engagement, and having recognise the importance of collaboration in achieving the command’s objectives, Dr. Ben Oramalugo said he has engaged with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies to foster strong relationship with stakeholders, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.

According to Dr Ben Oramalugo, these engagements have facilitated improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, reinforcing commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling.

He noted that the mission at Seme Area Command extends beyond revenue collection, it encompasses national security and economic growth, which are best achieved through strong institutional partnerships.

In the area of operational restructuring, and in order to enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance, Dr. Ben Oramalugo said the command has undertaken critical restructuring of key sections, which has led to strategic redeployment of officers for better vigilance and proactive border security operations and increased accountability and improved revenue collection, saying that these reforms have already yielded positive results.

In the area of successes recorded thus far, Dr. Ben Oramalugo said the achievements of the Seme Area Command within the short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his management team, the dedication and professionalism of the officers, effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies, robust inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

He used the opportunity to warn smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities will not be tolerated, as smuggling is seen as an act of economic sabotage, and Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders.

Dr.Ben Oramalugo, strongly advised all individuals involved in smuggling to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, rather than engaging in criminal activities that undermine the country’s economy.

At the end of the maiden media briefing, Dr. Ben Oramalugo said the proactive measures they have implemented in fostering collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency, boosting revenue generation and intensifying anti-smuggling efforts are already yielding tangible results.

Beside this, he said the command remain committed to sustaining these efforts to ensure even greater service delivery in the months ahead.

He expressed his sincerely appreciation to Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team, for their unwavering support by providing equipment in carrying out their mandate.

He also expressed his sincerely appreciation to security and inter-agency partners for their collaboration and the media for their role in disseminating the activities of the command to the general public, while looking forward to working together as partner in progress to achieve greater success.