Customs Bookish Chief, Dr. Oramalugo Launches 2nd Edition of “Customs Administration in Nigeria”

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) witnessed a momentous occasion Wednesday, 16 July 2025, with the formal launch of the second edition of the book “Customs Administration in Nigeria” written by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM.

In his keynote address at the launch, Comptroller Oramalugo described the book as “more than an assemblage of chapters” but rather a product of years of professional experience, academic research, and policy engagement. He said the revised edition responds to emerging challenges in customs operations, integrates ongoing reforms under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and aligns with global standards in trade facilitation, security, and border management.

“The dynamism of global trade, the rise of digital customs, and the expanding role of Customs in national security all demand a scholarly response,” the CAC noted. “This book aspires to offer a practical framework for understanding, navigating, and improving customs systems in Nigeria and similar jurisdictions.”

He emphasized the role of intellectual development in professional excellence, urging officers to embrace continuous learning as a core element of service. “A knowledgeable officer is a more effective officer. A disciplined mind is a catalyst for institutional excellence,” he added.

A release by the Customs Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman said the event was graced by a wide array of dignitaries, including heads and representatives of various security and regulatory agencies operating at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post. Present were the Comptroller of Immigration, Joint Border Post; Comptroller of Immigration, Land Border Patrol; Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); Director of NAFDAC; Commander of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS); and representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anti-Bomb Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Port Health Services, and key border stakeholders.

In their goodwill messages, the heads of agencies commended the Customs Area Controller for his intellectual contribution and for championing professionalism within the service. They also praised the ongoing transformation in the Nigeria Customs Service under the present administration, highlighting its growing relevance in economic development and national security.

Dr. Oramalugo making a remark during the ceremony

Comptroller Oramalugo expressed deep appreciation to the reviewers, editors, and all who contributed to the successful publication of the book. He also acknowledged the support of the CGC and the management of the Service for fostering a culture of knowledge, discipline, and reform.

The book, now in its second edition, is expected to serve as a reference for policymakers, academics, practitioners, and students engaged in customs and border governance across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.