The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command, under the leadership of Customs Area Controller Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, has made a remarkable impact in combating smuggling and bolstering revenue between May 14 and July 24, 2025. The Command intercepted five trucks loaded with smuggled foreign goods along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, seizing 2,800 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and 250 bales of second-hand clothing, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) totaling approximately ₦919.5 million. This seizure was part of a broader anti-smuggling operation based on credible intelligence gathered by operatives, demonstrating strong vigilance and coordination with the Nigerian military and other security agencies.
Besides these high-value goods, the Command also impounded additional contraband from other operations within the period, including 1,319 more bags of rice, 898 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, one boat with an engine, 20 bales of second-hand clothing, and four bales of used shoes. The total Duty Paid Value for all seized items amounted to about ₦1.27 billion.
The Seme Command also achieved significant revenue generation of about ₦1.59 billion for May and June 2025 through legitimate trade facilitation. They managed the smooth transit of 1,837 trucks carrying over 116,723 metric tons of made-in-Nigeria goods, valued at ₦22.37 billion Free On Board (FOB). This dual focus on seizing contraband and promoting lawful trade demonstrates the Command’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages and supporting the national economy.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized that the Federal Government’s ban on rice imports through land borders aims to protect local farmers and boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector—Nigeria being Africa’s leading rice producer with over 8 million metric tons annually. Despite this, smuggling threatens local mills’ viability, underscoring the critical nature of the Command’s enforcement actions.
The Command’s outstanding performance has drawn commendations from stakeholders, including the Comptroller-General of Customs and other security agencies. Dr. Oramalugo reaffirmed that the Seme Area Command will not tolerate smuggling or illegal trade and remains resolute in enforcing fiscal and border policies to safeguard Nigeria’s economic growth and development. This operation signifies a sustained push to uphold national security, boost revenue collection, and protect local industries from illicit activities
Besides these high-value goods, the Command also impounded additional contraband from other operations within the period, including 1,319 more bags of rice, 898 parcels of cannabis sativa (marijuana), 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, 50 cartons of tomato ketchup, one boat with an engine, 20 bales of second-hand clothing, and four bales of used shoes. The total Duty Paid Value for all seized items amounted to about ₦1.27 billion.
The Seme Command also achieved significant revenue generation of about ₦1.59 billion for May and June 2025 through legitimate trade facilitation. They managed the smooth transit of 1,837 trucks carrying over 116,723 metric tons of made-in-Nigeria goods, valued at ₦22.37 billion Free On Board (FOB). This dual focus on seizing contraband and promoting lawful trade demonstrates the Command’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages and supporting the national economy.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized that the Federal Government’s ban on rice imports through land borders aims to protect local farmers and boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector—Nigeria being Africa’s leading rice producer with over 8 million metric tons annually. Despite this, smuggling threatens local mills’ viability, underscoring the critical nature of the Command’s enforcement actions.
The Command’s outstanding performance has drawn commendations from stakeholders, including the Comptroller-General of Customs and other security agencies. Dr. Oramalugo reaffirmed that the Seme Area Command will not tolerate smuggling or illegal trade and remains resolute in enforcing fiscal and border policies to safeguard Nigeria’s economic growth and development. This operation signifies a sustained push to uphold national security, boost revenue collection, and protect local industries from illicit activities