Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made major inroads against smuggling, intercepting five trucks loaded with prohibited goods mostly rice between July 1 and July 19, 2025, along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
The trucks were found to contain a total of Two Thousand Eight Hundred (2,800) foreign parboiled rice 50Kg each, and Two Hundred and Fifty (250) bales of second –hand clothing.
Addressing the press on Thursday, the Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, disclosed that the Duty Paid Value of the seized rice and the means of conveyance (trucks) is Nine Hundred and Nineteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira (₦919,500,626.00k) only.
The controller added that other notable seizures made during the period include Eight Hundred and Ninety Eight (898) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), another One Thousand Three Hundred and Nineteen (1,319) bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), Forty (40) bags of Sugar (50kg each), Sixty-Four (64) bags of Flour (50kg each), Fifty (50) cartons of Ketchup Tomato, One (1) boat and engine, Twenty (20) bales of second-hand clothing, Four (4) bales of used shoes
Comptroller Oramalugo informed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all seizures during the period under review is One Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-Four Naira (₦1,268,794,474.00k) only.
He described the operation as a testament to the vigilance, resilience, and doggedness of the officers and men of the Seme Area Command, as well as the collaborative support from other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military.
“As you are aware, the Federal Government of Nigeria has placed a ban on the importation of rice through land borders to protect our rice farmers and millers and reduce dependency on imported rice. Nigeria is the highest producer of rice in Africa, with an annual output exceeding 8 million metric tonnes, surpassing Egypt and Tanzania. However, our rice mills continue to face challenges due to insufficient patronage, which hampers their ability to operate at full capacity. This ban is a strategic measure to boost local production and ensure the sustainability of our agricultural sector,” he stressed.
The controller is saddened that some unpatriotic elements persist in engaging in illegal importation, undermining the nation’s economic growth. He warned without mincing words that the Seme Area Command is not, and will never be, a fertile ground for smugglers. “These monumental seizures send a strong message to those involved in illicit activities that the operatives of the Command remain resolute, equipped, and prepared to enforce the Federal Government’s fiscal policies with unwavering determination,” he hinted.
He stated that in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, some of the seized items, particularly the marijuana, would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for discreet investigation and further action. “This underscores our commitment to working closely with sister agencies to ensure the security and well-being of our nation.”
Comptroller Oramalugo announced that the command, through commitment and professionalism, generated a total revenue of One Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Twenty-Six Kobo (₦1,593,676,123.26k) for the months of May and June 2025.
According to him, this achievement reflects the command’s sustained efforts at ensuring that all revenue leakages are blocked, and every legitimate kobo due to the Federal Government is collected without compromise.
On export, he noted that in line with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification through non-oil exports, the command facilitated the movement of One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Seven (1,837) trucks, equivalent to over One Hundred and Sixteen Thousand metric tonnes (116,723.26MT) of made-in-Nigeria goods. These exports, he said, had a Free On Board (FOB) value of Twenty-Two Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira and Ten Kobo (₦22,368,388,976.10k) only. He also said that the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees stood at One Hundred and Eleven Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Four Naira and Eighty-Seven Kobo (₦111,841,944.87K) only.
The controller commended the principal officers and the entire officers and men of the command for their unrelenting efforts in combating smuggling. “Their dedication, coupled with the support of other security agencies, particularly the military, has been instrumental in these successes. When situations escalate, the military’s reinforcement has proven invaluable, and we remain grateful for their partnership.”
He equally extended his appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management Team for their unwavering support, citing recent allocation of 12 patrol vehicles to the command which has significantly enhanced the capacity to patrol and secure the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, with the results of this investment evident in the seizures showcased.
He assured Nigerians and legitimate traders that the Lagos-Abidjan corridor remains safe and conducive for lawful trade. However, to those who engage in illegal activities, he sounded a clear warning: “steer clear of this corridor, as the Seme Area Command will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law upon you. We remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, fostering legitimate trade, and ensuring the security of our borders. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.