ZAINAB JUNAID
Since assuming office as the Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), Seme Area Command, on 11 February 2025, Comptroller (Dr.) Ben Oramalugo has continued to take bold and decisive actions.
He has consolidated on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs and brought his wealth of experience to effective border management and trade facilitation.
Under his leadership, the Command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo
Dr. Oramalugo ensured his efforts align with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
The CGC had emphasised synergy among stakeholders to curtail smuggling and strengthen border security which Comptroller Oramalugo has engaged in since he assumed duty in Seme. He has visited key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies, to strengthen partnerships, reinforce security measures, and promote seamless trade facilitation in the area.
Comptroller Oramalugo has also ensured critical restructuring of key sections of the Command to enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal performance. As a result of these efforts, Officers were redeployed for better vigilance and proactive border security operations, increased accountability, and improved revenue collection.
These reforms yielded positive results in key functions of the Command in one month as highlighted below-
Revenue Generation: The Command generated a total revenue of ₦743,728,652.16 for the month of February 2025, underscoring their commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.
Trade Facilitation: The Command successfully facilitated a total of 28,395.293 metric tonnes (equivalent to 806 trucks) of export produce for the month of February 2025. The Free On Board (FOB) value was ₦7,852,172,249.00, equivalent to $1,995,527.78 USD. The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was ₦39,260,861.25 while the total surcharge during the month of February was ₦2,433,433.00.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo showcasing seizures made in February 2025
Anti-Smuggling Operations: The Command’s intensified anti-smuggling operations led to the interception of several prohibited items, which includes- 444 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana)- 181 packs of Tramadol- 600 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each)- 240 kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS)- 1,809 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each)- 17 sacks of used shoes- 56 bales of used clothes- 203 pieces of used tyres. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures was ₦267,054,172.00.
These achievements resulted from the deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration, as well as Stakeholders engagement by the Area Controller.
Despite these successes, the Area Controller remains committed to strengthening the Command’s engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhancing surveillance and patrol activities, and deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks.
In his words, “While we have recorded significant strides, we remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders, enhancing surveillance and patrol activities to eliminate smuggling operations, as well as deploying advanced intelligence strategies to disrupt illicit trade networks.”
He has also warned smugglers and their collaborators to embrace legitimate trade and contribute to national economic growth, as smuggling is an act of economic sabotage. “For economic saboteurs, their illegal activities will not be tolerated. The Seme Area Command is fully prepared to track down, arrest, and prosecute offenders,” he said.
Comptroller Oramalugo has continued to acknowledged the unwavering support of the CGC and his management team, as well as the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men of the Command. He appreciated their key roles in achieving the Command’s mandates.
With Comptroller Oramalugo at the helm, the Seme Area Command is expected to experience significant transformation, especially with his commitment to new reforms.
