Seme, Nigeria – The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N3.5 billion in revenue between January and May 2025. This figure highlights the command’s contribution to national finances. The announcement came during a visit by Zonal Coordinator of NCS, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Orbih. This revenue performance shows the critical role border commands play in Nigeria Customs Service revenue generation.
Key Performance Metrics and Seizures
Seme Command Controller, Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, detailed the command’s operations. From January to May, the command facilitated 220,300 metric tonnes of export consignments, valued at N47 billion free on board. The command’s anti-smuggling efforts also resulted in significant seizures. Goods worth N889 million were confiscated, including expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana, and corrosive mercury. These items were handed to relevant security agencies.
Persistent Operational Hurdles
The Seme Command faces operational challenges despite strong revenue output. Dr. Oramalugo cited a seven-year power outage, poor road infrastructure, non-functional scanning equipment, and border porosity as major impediments. He emphasized ongoing advocacy for infrastructure upgrades, modern surveillance tools, and closer collaboration with neighboring security agencies and local communities. Addressing these issues is essential to enhance the command’s effectiveness.
Zonal Coordinator Praises Performance, Sets Higher Goals
ACG Charles Orbih commended the Seme Command’s leadership for its initiatives. These include renovating the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) building and upgrading the sports complex. Orbih noted these projects align with the Comptroller-General’s vision of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. He also underscored Zone A’s contribution to national revenue. The zone accounted for 79.8% of the NCS’s N1.3 trillion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025.
Improving Customs Revenue Collection Through Strategic Leadership
Orbih urged officers to maintain professionalism, integrity, and innovation. He stated that standards have been raised for Zone A. “As we move forward, the bar has been set higher for Zone A,” Orbih stated. “Our previous achievements, impressive as they were, should serve as stepping stones rather than resting points.” This directive emphasizes continuous improvement in customs revenue collection and service delivery.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The Seme Command’s revenue generation directly supports Nigeria’s economic stability and development. Collected revenue funds public services and infrastructure projects. The seizure of prohibited goods reinforces the NCS’s role in safeguarding public health and national security. The command’s success in meeting targets despite infrastructural deficits shows personnel dedication.
Zone A’s strong performance, contributing nearly 80% to the NCS’s first-quarter revenue, reflects effective management and strategies across commands. This success is critical for Nigeria’s economic health and development. Continued investment in infrastructure and technology will boost the efficiency of Nigeria Customs Service revenue generation and border control operations nationwide, reinforcing the command’s pivotal role.
By Abiodun Labi,Senior Correspondent
[…] standardize tax administration across all government levels. The reforms establish an independent Nigeria Revenue Service, replacing the Federal Inland Revenue […]