Customs Chief, Dr. Oramalugo Speaks At Redeemer’s University Conference

…Says Unbridled Foreign Thirsts Fuels Smuggling

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Border Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD was listed as a Distinguished Speaker at the 5th Session of the Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference (RUIMUN), holding between March 3-6, 2025.

The Command Public Relations Officer, SC Suleiman Isah, anipr, in a release made available to our reporter said the conference with the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations” provided a platform for insightful discussions on global development and nation-building.

Officer Isah explained that  Oramalugo, was his essential self at the conference podium, radiating brilliance and serving out as a loyal ambassador of the NCS; as he outlined the subject matter of the Service’s anti-smuggling activities.

According to the Command spokesman, Comptroller Oramalugo highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in national development, emphasizing trade facilitation, revenue generation; including anti-smuggling activities and national security.

He explained that Oramalugo spoke passionately about the importance of integrity, patriotism, and the detrimental effects of smuggling on the economy and society. He said the Seme customs boss stressed the need to support local industries, citing Nigeria’s status as a leading rice producer, yet facing challenges in local patronage.

“When we fail to buy local rice, we kill our factories,” he remarked as he warned about the dangers of smuggled fake drugs, second hand clothing, used tyres and other un-customs goods which pose severe health and safety risks.

Speaking on the Role of Customs in Nation-Building, Oramalugo outlined three core areas: Trade Facilitation: Simplifying customs processes to enhance legitimate trade and economic growth and  Revenue Generation which he said has contributed significantly to national revenue, with the revenue figure of over ₦6 trillion for 2024.

Comptroller Oramalugo according to Isah also spoke on the prevention and  entry of prohibited and harmful goods by the NCS while collaborating with other agencies to safeguard the nation.

On global standards and best practices, the anti-smuggling czar referenced the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions, emphasizing their role in enhancing customs integrity, harmonizing procedures, and combating illicit activities.

Speaking with newsmen after the event, Comptroller Oramalugo applauded the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his leadership vitality, describing him as “the best CGC in Africa.”

He commended the CGC’s numerous achievements and recognition, including “Outstanding Revenue Collection” Award by the Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the recent Sun Newspaper’s “Best Public Servant of the Year” award.

Comptroller Dr. Oramalugo expressed gratitude to Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders and to enlighten them on the vital contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to national progress.