Seme Customs Processes N16.9bn in Export Goods, Seizes Contraband Worth N669m

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has reported the processing of 2,029 export trucks valued at N16.9 billion Free-on-Board (FOB) between March and May 2025. The command also collected N84.5 million in National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees during the period.

Customs Area Controller Dr. Ben Oramalugo shared these achievements during a briefing where contraband seizures were presented to journalists. He revealed that the command generated N847 million in revenue within the two months, highlighting its commitment to boosting government earnings and combating smuggling.

Dr. Oramalugo stated that the command facilitated the export of over 88,036 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods, aligning with the Federal Government’s push for economic diversification through non-oil exports.

He also detailed the command’s anti-smuggling efforts, which included the interception of foreign coins worth N48.9 million, six canisters of corrosive mercury suspected as potential explosives, 553 parcels of cannabis sativa, 1,415 bags of foreign rice, and other prohibited items with a combined duty-paid value of N669 million.

“These seizures demonstrate our dedication to safeguarding national security and ensuring all government revenue is collected without compromise,” Dr. Oramalugo said.

The seized mercury, cannabis, and unregistered pharmaceuticals will be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Dr. Oramalugo appealed to border communities to discourage smuggling and support Customs’ efforts to enhance national economic and security stability.