.Records Over 182% Revenue Increase, Facilitates 53,989.46 Metric Tonnes of Goods
ZAINAB JUNAID
Seme- Krake Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it intercepted Cannabis Sativa, Rice, expired Flour, bales of second-hand clothing, and other prohibited items worth over N1.9 billion in one month.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga made this known at a press briefing held on Thursday, 9 October 2025, at the Joint Border Post, Ecowas Complex Seme, stressing the operation was made possible through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Trucks loaded with expired Flour showcased by the Area Controller of Seme Command.
Comptroller Adenuga highlighted the seized items to include: Five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, which has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,210,300,000 only; 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50 kg each); 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa, and marijuana; 98 packs of tramadol (120 mg each); 150 Bales of second-hand clothing; and 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine.
Comptroller Wale Adenuga updating journalists on the seized expired flour
He informed that the Five Trucks loaded with expired Flour were intercepted in a joint operation with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and each truck conveyed over 2,000 bags.
The Flour was produced in March 2024, and expired in November 2024, yet unpatriotic importers tried to smuggle it into the country, ignoring the implications it will have on the citizens.
150 Bales of second-hand clothing, seized by Operatives of Seme-Krake Command in September 2025 is valued at N49,544, 063.00
Comptroller Adenuga expressed concerns on the negative impact the expired product would have on the citizens, if it finds its way into the Nigerian market.
He said, “The health risks associated with consumption of such expired products were related to severe infection, food poisoning, and long-term health implications. Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode customers’ trusts.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga addressing journalists at Joint Border Post, Ecowas Complex Seme on Thursday 9 October 2025
“These trucks were intercepted through the intelligence shared by the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director General. My CGC gave us the information through the NAFDAC, and we were able to intercept them,” he said.
He also informed that the intercepted 98 packs of tramadol (120 mg each), with two suspects have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on 7th of October 2025 for further investigation.
169 bottles of DSP Codeine syrup with a DPV of N84,500.00 were intercepted for improper importation
“Under the guidance of my CGC’s general tolerance and stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health, and economic stability”.
The Area Controller stated that the successful seizures, which have a DPV of N1,999,093,429, underscored the Comptroller General of Customs operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage, which lures the nation for vital revenue and endangers public welfare.
“Our position is clear along this route that any economic resources diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste. We will continue to go after you, and anything we arrest is a waste on your part. It would be better to turn such into a legitimate business, and empower thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises, to create jobs,” he said.
The Seme Command’s Chief further commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy, for their support in the fight against smuggling, stating, “It is worthy of note to commend the Nigerian Arm Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy, for their support in the fight against smuggling. We have a strong collaboration with the Nigerian armed forces, the Navy has been doing wonderfully well, and the FOB.
“All the rice was intercepted on the waterway, and handed over to us. The NNFOB has demonstrated that we are partners in this fight against smuggling, by severally handing over foreign rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and the surrounding, we really appreciate them for that”.
Speaking on the revenue generated into the government’s coffer in the last one month, the Area Controller said the Command recorded a total figure of N1,500,029,233.88 in September 2025, reflecting a significant increase of over 182% from the figure generated in August 2025 which stood at N531462332.45k.
“This outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the CGC’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as the dedication of officers and men to embody a vision of a modern, efficient, and accountable Customs Service,” he added.
Non Oil Export Facilitation:
Comptroller Wale Adenuga disclosed that in line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil exports, and in direct compliance with the CGC Directive to promote legitimate export trade, Seme-Krake Command facilitated an export of 53,989.46 metric tons of goods, with a Free on-Board value of N7,969,376,188.78.He revealed that Total Export Supervision Scheme, NESS is N39,868,354. 42, which is domiciled in the Central Bank.
“This export comprises: agricultural produce, manufactured goods, that demonstrate the renewed confidence of exporters in the seme-Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme.
“Most of this goes to African and West African countries, so this is boosting industrialization in our area. We ensure that we facilitate trade, the NESS being done, and the due process is being followed”.
Receiving the seized Cannabis and Codeine syrup, the NDLEA Area Commander, Seme Border, CN Ajokorieta, emphasised the importance of synergy among security agencies to prevent importation of illegal substances. She also served nite of warning to those involved in illegal activities.
Her words, “The essence of all meetings held recently is to strengthen synergy among security agencies and ensure importers do not bring in illegal items that will destroy our youths and our people. Do legitimate business, if you engage in legitimate business, no one will query you but when you keep importing expired products as this, the law will catch up with you’.
