ZAINAB JUNAID
The Customs Area Controller, Seme – Krake Border Post, Comptroller (Dr.) Ben Oramalugo has pledged to strengthen surveillance activities and partnership with Stakeholders to curtail smuggling operations along Seme Corridor.
Dr. Oramalugo made the pledge during his maiden media briefing on the operational activities of the Command for the month of February, on Thursday, 13 March 2025, highlighting the Command’s significant strides.
He revealed that a total sum of seven hundred and forty three million, seven hundred and twenty eight thousand, six hundred and fifty two Naira and sixteen kobo (N743,728,652.16k) was generated as revenue into government coffers in February.
Dr. Oramalugo Handing Over Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), pharmaceutical products Seized within the period under review to NDLEA Commander, Fingere Owen Dinneys
Dr. Oramalugo attributed the impressive figures to the Command’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.
On trade facilitation, the Area Controller disclosed that the Command facilitated over twenty eight thousand metric tonnes (28,395.293) which is equivalent to eight hundred and six (806) trucks of export produce for the month of February 2025, with a Free On Board value of Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Naira (N-7,852,172,249.00k) only, which is equivalent to Four Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-Seven Dollars, Seventy-Eight Cent 4,995,527.78 USD) only.
He said the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was Thirty-Nine Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Twenty-Five Kobo (N 39, 260, 861.25k) only. “The total surcharge during the month of February is Two Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand. Four Hundred and Thirty-Three Naira (N2, 433, 433.00k) only,” he added.
The Controller noted that the Command will leverage on the trade facilitation initiatives to foster a more efficient, transparent and predictable trade environment thereby contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.
Following the significant strides recorded in the month of February, Dr. Ben pledged that the Command under his watch will continue to deploy advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt Illicit trade networks along Seme Corridor.
Part of the seized vehicles (one means of conveyance included)
While showcasing the seizures made within the period under review, Comptroller Oramalugo listed the un-custom.goods intercepted to include –
240 jerrycans of Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS) seized by operatives of Seme Command
Four Hundred and Forty-Four (444) Parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), One Hundred and Eighty-One (181) Packs of Tramadol, Six Hundred (600) Bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), Two Hundred and Forty (240) Kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).Others are; One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Nine (1,809) Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (50kg each), Seventeen (17) Sacks of Used Shoes, Fifty-Six (56) Bales of Used Clothes and Two Hundred and Three (203) Pieces of Used Tyres.The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures is Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Fifty-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (N267,054,172.00k) only.
Dr. Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service
According to him, the seizures contravene relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCSA 23), and it reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to suppressing smuggling within the Seme border corridor.
The seized Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) were handed over to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration.
The Customs Area Controller, Seme- Krake Border, Dr. Ben Oramalugo and the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Seme Command, Fingere Owen Dinneys acknowledging the handover and receipt of the Cannabis
The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Seme Command, Fingere Owen Dinneys, confirmed receipt of the seized Cannabis Sativa and assured that further investigation will be conducted, followed by necessary actions. This development is consistent with the agency’s standard procedures for handling such cases.
The Area Controller further expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team for their unwavering support. He also commended the dedication and professionalism of his Officers, as well as the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies, robust inter-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, which collectively contributed to the Command’s remarkable achievements within a short period.
