New Dawn At Seme Border As Wale Adenugu Assumes Control

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Adenuga , left, receiving the service’s flag of authority from ACG Oramalugo

At the heart of West Africa’s bustling trade corridor, the Seme-Krake Border Post has long stood as a gateway of commerce, culture, and cooperation. Now, with the arrival of Comptroller Wale Adenuga at the helm of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, a new chapter begins, one defined by strategic brilliance, operational discipline, and an unwavering commitment to national pride.

Comptroller Adenuga making a remark during the ceremony

The development follows the appointment of the former Customs Area Controller, Comptroller to the rank of an Assistant Comptroller General (ACG), which development however coincided with his meritorious retirement from the NCS after putting in the mandatory sixty years of age.

According to a release by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, Comptroller Wale Adenuga formally took over the mantle of leadership of the Command yesterday at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake Border Post.

The release reads: “The handing over ceremony brought together senior officials from sister security agencies, representatives of trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders and members of the Fourth Estate. In his inaugural address, Comptroller Wale Adenuga praised the outgoing CAC for his achievements and pledged to consolidate on them.

He outlined his vision for the Command, placing trade facilitation at the heart of his leadership, the statement said.

“Trade facilitation is my keyword. When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will leave Customs control within the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we have,” he added.

A Proven Leader with a Storied Legacy

Comptroller Adenugu is no stranger to the rigors of Customs operations. His career reads like a master class in enforcement and revenue generation, with distinguished service across Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Oyo/Osun Command, Ogun II Command, and the Apapa Command—where he held the dual roles of the APM and Deputy Comptroller (DC) Revenue. His operational depth and tactical acumen have earned him the reputation of a “super operative,” and now, Seme stands to benefit from his wealth of experience.

Unity in Transition

The seamless handover ceremony at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post was more than a formal transition—it was a celebration of continuity, collaboration, and shared purpose. Senior officials from sister security agencies, trade stakeholders, community leaders, and the media gathered to witness the momentous occasion. In his inaugural address, Comptroller Adenuga paid tribute to his predecessor, ACG Oramalugo, whose tenure was marked by landmark seizures, improved revenue, and strengthened inter-agency synergy.

Trade Facilitation at the Core

“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” Adenuga declared, setting the tone for his administration. His vision is clear: to streamline Customs processes, encourage proper declarations, and ensure swift clearance of consignments. This, he emphasized, is the path to increased revenue and reduced smuggling—a win-win for the nation and its economic stakeholders.

Leadership by Example

True to his ethos, Adenuga pledged to lead from the front, instilling discipline and integrity among officers. His commitment to collaboration spans across agencies—from the Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Police to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), and the Nigerian Military. He also extended a hand of partnership to traditional rulers, community youth groups, and the media, assuring all that “his doors remain open.”

A Vision Aligned with Global Standards

In a nod to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who currently serves as President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Adenugu vowed to uphold the highest standards of performance. Accordingly, he declared that his leadership is not just about local impact but about positioning Seme as a model of excellence on the global Customs stage.

A Collective Commitment

As the ceremony drew to a close, stakeholders from across the spectrum pledged their support to the new leadership. Their unified voice echoed a shared goal: to boost revenue, curb smuggling, enhance security, and promote seamless trade at the Seme Border.

Comptroller Wale Adenuga’s arrival signals more than a change in leadership—it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. With his hands firmly on the wheel and a vision rooted in service, discipline, and innovation, the Seme Area Command is poised to become not just a border post, but a beacon of national pride.