By Steve Agbota
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted N1.99 billion smuggled illicit drugs and expired flour from Egypt along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor between September 1 and October 9.
Speaking during his maiden media briefing at the Command Headquarters in Seme Border, the Customs Area Controller, Wale Adenuga, said the Command seized five trucks loaded with 10,000 bags of expired flour from Egypt with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.21 billion.
According to him, the expired products posed serious public health risks that could have led to infections, food poisoning and long-term health complications if they had entered Nigerian markets.
However, he said the command’s operatives seized 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) and 120 packs of Tramadol 120mg and handed over two suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on October 7, 2025, for further investigation.
He said other items seized within the period include 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and five used vehicles.
He described smuggling as economic sabotage that deprives the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare, emphasising that resources diverted into illicit trade could otherwise empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.
On export growth, the command facilitated non-oil exports totalling 53,989.46 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of N7.97 billion, and a Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee of N39.87 million.
He said the exports comprise agricultural produce and manufactured goods, which reflects renewed confidence of exporters in Seme as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS),” he explained.
On revenue performance, he said the command generated N1.5 billion in September 2025, up from N531.4 million in August, representing a 182 per cent increase.
“Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernisation. Our focus on trade facilitation has reduced transaction costs, streamlined processes, and ultimately increased revenue,” he said.
He stated that the Seme Area Command remains committed to balancing its triad mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security, leveraging technology and intelligence for efficient border management.
He commended the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry for its regular support in intercepting smuggled rice along the waterways, acknowledging the synergy between Customs and the military in combating cross-border crimes.
He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, NAFDAC, SON, DSS, Police, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for their support and partnership.
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