The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has recorded a historic revenue performance in 2025, posting its highest monthly and annual collections since inception, alongside major seizures of prohibited substances through sustained anti-smuggling operations.
In December 2025 alone, the Command generated a record-breaking ₦3.63 billion, marking the highest monthly revenue ever recorded at the border post. The achievement has been attributed to the effective implementation of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which enhanced coordination, trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
Cumulatively, from January to December 2025, the Command collected ₦15.6 billion in revenue, representing a remarkable 117 per cent increase over the ₦7.16 billion recorded in 2024.
Beyond revenue, the Command recorded notable social and environmental interventions. On 11 November 2025, it hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi. The programme featured the distribution of empowerment tools, including industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants to members of the COWA Seme Chapter.
On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, providing essential healthcare services to over 1,000 beneficiaries. A tree-planting exercise was also carried out to promote environmental sustainability.
In line with the Comptroller-General’s directive, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, successfully reduced checkpoints along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor to the two locations approved by the Federal Government. The move significantly eased legitimate trade, reduced delays and further contributed to the Command’s impressive revenue performance.
The Command also sustained robust anti-smuggling operations. In December 2025, seizures included 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg), an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug. The interceptions were achieved through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration.
Comptroller Adenuga warned smugglers that the Seme border is no longer a safe haven for illicit activities, stressing that offenders will be intercepted and prosecuted. He urged those engaged in smuggling to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Conversely, he assured legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders of a safe, efficient and business-friendly corridor, with seamless processes and reduced delays to support cross-border commerce and economic growth.
The Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management for their leadership and support, while also commending officers and men of the Command, stakeholders, sister agencies, security forces, the media, as well as traditional and community leaders. He pledged that the Command would deliver even greater achievements in 2026.
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