Seme Customs Generate ₦9.8bn in Two Months

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated ₦9.798 billion in revenue between March and May 2026, marking a sharp increase compared to the ₦2.188 billion collected in the same period of 2025.

Customs Area Controller Abdullahi Kaila announced the figures while briefing journalists, noting that the growth represents a 448% increase year-on-year.

He attributed the performance to enhanced compliance, stakeholder cooperation, anti-leakage measures, and deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System.

Kaila said: “From March 2026 to date, the command generated total revenue of ₦9.798bn. This represents an increase of ₦7.610bn compared to ₦2.188bn collected in 2025.”

Beyond revenue, the command intensified anti-smuggling operations along the Seme-Badagry corridor, seizing 1,000 parcels of cannabis sativa, which will be handed over to the NDLEA for investigation.

Other seizures included unregistered pharmaceuticals such as codeine-based syrups and sexual enhancement drugs, contravening the NCS Act 2023. These will be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action.

The command also intercepted 2,000 bags of foreign rice, 340 kegs of vegetable oil, 103 kegs of petrol, 993 cartons of spaghetti, and 250 bales of used clothing, with a duty-paid value of ₦501 million.

Kaila emphasised that the command remains committed to protecting local industries, safeguarding public health, and enforcing compliance, while also facilitating legitimate trade. He assured compliant traders that adherence to regulations remains the fastest and safest way to operate.

He concluded that the Seme Command plays a critical role in regional trade integration under ECOWAS and AfCFTA, and will continue to support SMEs, exporters, and importers through simplified clearance procedures and stakeholder engagement.