The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, says the command generated a total revenue of N743.7 million in the month of February.

Dr Ben Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, said this at the maiden media conference to showcase the activities of the Command on Thursday.

Oramalugo noted that this remarkable achievement underscored their commitment to blocking revenue leakages and ensuring maximum collection for national development.

“Since taking over as the Area Controller in February 11, the command has implemented strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration.

“These efforts align with the mandate of the NCS and the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who has emphasised synergy among stakeholders to combat smuggling and strengthen border security,” he said.

He said that recognising the importance of collaboration in achieving their objectives, key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies were engaged to foster strong relationships, reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.

He pointed out that these engagements had facilitated improved intelligence-sharing and coordination, reinforcing their commitment to national security, economic regulation, and the fight against smuggling.

As regards trade facilitation, he said the command facilitated a total of over Twenty-Eight Thousand metric tonnes (28,395.293) equivalent to Eight Hundred and Six (806) trucks of export produce for the month of February with a Free On Board (FOB) value of  N7,852,172,249.00k only, which is equivalent to $4,995,527.78.

“The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was N 39, 260, 861.25k only.

“The total surcharge during the month of February is N 2, 433, 433,” he said.

The customs boss said that the intensified anti-smuggling operations of the command had led to the interception of several prohibited items.

“The command within the period under review has seized the following items; 444 parcels of cannabis sativa (Marijuana), 181 packs of tramadol, 600 bottles of codeine syrup (100ml each), 240 Kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS).

“Others are; 1,809 bags of roreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 17 sacks of used shoes, 56 bales of used clothes and 203 pieces of used tyres, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N267,054,172.

“These seizures, which contravene relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 (NCS^ 23), reaffirm our commitment to suppressing smuggling within the Seme border corridor,” he said.

He added that with the approval of the CGC, the seized Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) had been handed over to the Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Command, in line with existing inter-agency collaboration.

He said that the achievements of the Seme Area Command within this short period are the result of the unwavering support of the CGC and his NCS Management Team, dedication and professionalism of officers, the effective deployment of intelligence-driven strategies and robust inter-agency collaboration as well as stakeholder engagement.

He said that the command remained resolute in its commitment to strengthening their 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 warned smugglers and their collaborators that their illegal activities would not be tolerated.