Seme Customs Intensifies Border Diplomacy to Dismantle Trade Barriers

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has stepped up efforts to eliminate trade barriers along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor through strategic engagement with traditional institutions and security agencies across border communities.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Kaila, disclosed this during a series of familiarisation visits to royal palaces and sister security formations, underscoring the Command’s commitment to enhancing trade facilitation, boosting revenue generation, and curbing smuggling in line with Federal Government economic objectives.
At the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Controller paid condolences to the royal family and people of Badagry over the passing of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a revered monarch across border communities.
“The purpose of this visit is to formally introduce myself and seek royal support in achieving our core mandate. Our priorities remain revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling. Effective performance requires the cooperation of traditional institutions,” Kaila stated.
Responding, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described the Controller as a son of the soil and assured the Command of continued support. He noted that Badagry remains peaceful and committed to promoting legitimate trade while safeguarding the nation’s borders.
At Ibereko Awori Kingdom, the Onibereko, Oba Israel Okoya, reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with Customs, pledging to mobilise community support to discourage illegal activities and strengthen compliance with government policies.
Similarly, at the Apa Kingdom, the Alapa, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye, commended Comptroller Kaila as a seasoned professional and assured him of sustained cooperation, highlighting the peaceful nature of the border community and the influence of traditional leadership in maintaining order.
In a move to deepen inter-agency collaboration, the Controller also visited the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base in Ahanve, Badagry. The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting Customs operations, noting that both agencies share a common goal of securing the nation’s borders.
“Our collaboration has delivered significant successes within our area of responsibility. Your visit further strengthens this partnership,” Medugu said.
The familiarisation tour extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police authorities, signalling a renewed push for cross-border cooperation aimed at removing impediments to the seamless movement of goods and services.
The engagements collectively highlight the Seme Area Command’s proactive approach to fostering partnerships critical to improving border security and facilitating legitimate trade along one of West Africa’s busiest economic corridors.