The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a revenue of N7,166,576,397.49 for 2024 fiscal year which represents 80% of its target performance.
According to the Controller of the Command , Comptroller Kayode Kolade who disclosed this to journalists during a press briefing at the command, the figure is higher than N5,885,697,334.62 generated in the corresponding period of 2023.
He stated that the command is the foremost frontier for trade in West and Central Africa and one of the busiest boundary lines in Africa.
As regards Trade Facilitation, Comptroller Kolade added that the command export seat facilitated a total of 306.039.57 metric tonnes equivalent to 8,487 trucks of export produce for 2024 with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N77, 867,442,730 which is equivalent to $76,687,873.81.
Speaking on anti-smuggling operations, he announced that the command made 921 interceptions consisting of various contraband items worth N1,895,175,942 Duty Paid Value (DPV).
According to him, 48 suspects were arrested in connection to the seizures.
Comptroller Kolade informed that the command won an award as best land border command in trade facilitation during the CGC Excellence Awards Night at Abuja on November 29 ,2024.
To commemorate the International Customs Day (ICD), which holds on every 26th of January, the command organized a free medical outreach for stakeholders, travelers and officers operating along the corridor of the Command.
“Upon my resumption of duty on 3rd of September 2024, I pledged to consolidate on the achievements of my predecessors. We have kept the faith with this.
“The command as at 31st December 2024 recorded an improved revenue of N7.1 billion .This amount saw an upward increase of N1,280,879,062.87 equivalent to 21.7% increase.
“The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) paid was N387,875,923,43. The surcharge paid during the 2024 fiscal year was N87,446,397.
“The enforcement unit of the command has sustained surveillance of our border against the illicit activities of the dared devil smugglers. The onslaught translates into 921 interceptions consisting of various contraband items.These items include : 40 671× 30 litres Jerry cans of PMS equivalent to 37 tanker loads, 11,569 bags of 50kg rice which is equivalent to 19 trailers load, 24 used vehicles and means of conveyance, 1,934 pesos of hard drugs and narcotics among others.
” The above successes recorded were as a result of painstaking efforts of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for providing necessary tools and conductive environment for officers to work. For instance, here in Seme Command ,there are massive constructions and renovations of officers accommodations, offices ongoing and review of officers allowances among others .
“I appreciate the Seme, Badagry community, sister security agencies for their cooperation and officers and men of the command for their patriotism.
“The 26th of January in every year is set aside to celebrate World Customs Day. The theme for this year is “Customs delivery on its commitment to efficiency, security and prosperity.” In commemoration of this day, the command has organized free medical outreach for our stakeholders, travelers and officers operating along the corridor.” , he said.
