By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has achieved a historic financial milestone in 2025, recording its highest-ever monthly and annual revenue collections since inception. In December alone, the Command generated an unprecedented ₦3,628,485,590.00, marking the peak of its monthly performance.
According to a press statement released by SC Tunde Ayagbalo, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, from January to December 2025, the Command amassed a total revenue of ₦15,598,945,794.00 — a remarkable 117% increase compared to the ₦7,166,576,397.49 recorded in 2024. This leap is attributed to the successful implementation of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, aimed at enhancing coordination and trade facilitation.
On November 11, 2025, the Command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative, led by Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA). The event 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.
Simultaneously, the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, inaugurated a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative, providing essential healthcare services to over 1,000 beneficiaries. A tree-planting campaign was also conducted to promote environmental sustainability.
In line with federal directives, Comptroller Wale Adenuga reduced checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to two approved locations. This move has significantly improved trade flow, minimized delays, and contributed to the Command’s revenue success.
The Command also intensified its anti-smuggling operations in December 2025, seizing 685 parcels of Cannabis sativa (marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol, and 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil (300mg), a high-dosage sexual enhancement drug.
These seizures were made possible through intelligence-led operations, risk profiling, and inter-agency collaboration.
Comptroller Adenuga issued a stern warning to smugglers, declaring that the Seme border is no longer a safe haven for illicit activities. He emphasized the Command’s commitment to leveraging intelligence, technology, and vigilance to intercept and prosecute offenders.
Conversely, he assured compliant traders of a secure and efficient trade corridor, with streamlined processes and minimal delays to support legitimate cross-border commerce and economic development.
Comptroller Adenuga expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General, the Command’s officers and men, stakeholders, sister agencies, the media, and community leaders for their unwavering support. He pledged even greater achievements in 2026.