As Zone ‘A’ accounts for 79.8% of Q1 Customs revenue

By Godwin Oritse

Operations at the Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are facing serious setbacks due to persistent power outages, malfunctioning scanning equipment, and dilapidated road infrastructure — challenges that have persisted for over seven years.

Disclosing this during a working visit by the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Orbih, the Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, said these longstanding infrastructure deficiencies are impacting the Command’s operational efficiency and revenue targets.

He said that the lack of stable electricity and functional scanning systems continue to hinder trade facilitation and border control efforts. “Power outages, poor roads, and broken scanners are major obstacles at Seme,” Oramalugo noted.

He however stated that the Command is intensifying advocacy for infrastructural upgrades, the deployment of modern surveillance tools, and closer collaboration with sister security agencies and host communities as part of efforts to overcome these constraints.

The Comptroller described the ACG’s visit as a morale booster, saying: “Your presence here demonstrates your commitment to enhancing operational performance across the Zone and ensuring that every command delivers on its statutory mandate.”

Presenting an overview of the Command’s performance, Oramalugo revealed that between January and May 2025, the Command generated over ₦3.57 billion in revenue and facilitated exports totaling 220,300 metric tonnes, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦47 billion.

On enforcement, he reported seizures worth ₦889 million, which included expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana, and mercury, all handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation.

In his remarks, ACG Orbih commended the Seme Command for recent infrastructure improvements, including the renovation of the COWA building, the upgrade of the sports complex, and the commissioning of an officers’ mess. He described these projects as reflective of the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who has anchored the Service’s transformation agenda on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Orbih also highlighted Zone ‘A’s dominant contribution to Customs revenue, noting that the zone generated 79.8% of the NCS’s ₦1.3 trillion total revenue in the first quarter of 2025.

He reaffirmed the NCS modernization efforts through platforms such as the Advance Ruling System, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, and the B’Odogwu clearance system. He also outlined seven strategic focus areas for 2025, including trade modernization, improved risk management, the operationalization of the NCS University, stronger international partnerships under AfCFTA, corporate social responsibility, and transparency through stakeholder engagement.

“As we move forward, the bar has been raised,” Orbih said. “Our past achievements must serve as foundations for greater innovation and commitment to the evolving needs of our economy and national security.”