The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sustained its strong revenue performance into 2026, generating nearly ₦2 billion within the first three weeks of the year, while intensifying anti-smuggling operations across its border corridors.
The revenue feat follows the Command’s impressive ₦15.6 billion collection in 2025, including ₦3.6 billion recorded in December alone, underscoring a steady upward trajectory in revenue mobilisation.
Controller of the Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed the development on 21 January 2026 while receiving the executive members of the Caretaker Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayodele, during a courtesy visit to his office.
Comptroller Adenuga said officers and men of the Command are determined to surpass last year’s revenue performance, attributing the renewed drive to sustained support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team.
“With the backing of the Comptroller-General and the Management of the Service, Seme Command will continue to build on the momentum that carried us into 2026,” Adenuga said.
He stressed that while revenue generation remains a priority, the Command has not relented in its anti-smuggling mandate. According to him, officers have intensified surveillance not only along bush paths and creeks used by smugglers but also at identified distribution points within markets.
As part of these efforts, Adenuga disclosed that anti-smuggling operatives of the Command raided a notorious point for the sale of smuggled rice around Badagry Roundabout on 21 January 2026, where over 200 bags of smuggled rice were seized.
“We have consistently warned those involved to desist from this illegal activity. On several occasions, we engaged community leaders, including the late Oba of Badagry, to appeal to them to vacate the area,” he said.
He explained that smugglers often move rice through creeks before assembling and selling the items at the Badagry Roundabout, describing the location as a long-standing hub for illicit trade. Adenuga vowed that the raids would be sustained until the area is completely cleared of illegal activities.
The Controller also pledged the Command’s continued support for MARAN, promising collaboration on programmes of mutual benefit.
Earlier, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayodele, congratulated Comptroller Adenuga on his appointment, describing it as a reflection of his proven track record and the confidence reposed in him by the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Ayodele assured the Controller of MARAN’s support, noting that the association has observed noticeable vibrancy and operational transformation at the Seme border since Adenuga assumed office. He recalled the Comptroller’s contributions to revenue growth at the Apapa Command, where he previously served as Deputy Comptroller in charge of Revenue.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has paid a condolence visit to the palace of the late Oba of Badagry, through the Controller of Seme Command.
According to Comptroller Adenuga, he represented the CGC at the palace on 21 January 2026 to commiserate with the chiefs and people of Badagry Kingdom over the passing of their first-class monarch, conveying the sympathy of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Leave a Reply