Adeniyi Commissions Seme COWA Office, Officers Mess, Gym House

…Lauds Oramalugo Professional Savvy, Dedication To Duty

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Monday May 19, 2025 shone, glowed and reverberated with the presence of the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, walking the area command space in the glare of the sun and yet exceedingly happy, as he commissioned the state-of-the-art Office Complex of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), plus the newly renovated Senior Officers Mess and a Gym House for officers use.

History matched with history and geographical account of the ancient Badagry kingdom and Seme province as the Comptroller General of Customs and his the Area Controller of Seme Border Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo took turn to tell the story of the kingdom in relation to customs operations, in a leader-subordinate spirit of chivalry, regaling stakeholders and spectators.

Observers say it is the first time a visiting CGC is spending so much time at the command and commissioning multiple projects, while having the pleasure to relax and give the business of the day, quality time and attention.

According to the CGC, the spot where the COWA Office is built served as the customs administration office in the earlier days of the customs service, following its relocation from the lagoon shore in Gbaji Badagry, where customs operations started from.

In his welcome address, Dr. Oramalugo, the elated Seme Customs boss profusely thanked the CGC for accepting to personally commissioned the projects, after the earlier business of the day, being the launch of the Sigmat platform between Nigeria Customs and her Beninese counterpart, designed to fast track trade and enhance compliance. A historian of note with a knack for details, Oramalugo thanked Adeniyi for giving the command the support it required to achieve its overall mandate, and the commitment to make the projects a reality.

“It  is  with  immense joy,  gratitude,  and  pride  that  I  stand  before  you  today  to welcome you to this historic occasion—the commissioning of the newly renovated Senior Officers Mess, Gym House and the state-of-the-art Office Complex of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) here at the Seme Area Command.

“This is a landmark event for our Command, and we are deeply honoured to have the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to personally grace this occasion to commission these remarkable projects. Sir, your presence is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the welfare of our officers and the progress of the Nigeria Customs Service.  On behalf of the entire  Seme  Area Command, I say a resounding thank you.

“Today’s event is more than the unveiling of physical structures; it is a celebration of our resolved commitment to teamwork, dedication, and the shared vision of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC BA Adeniyi MFR to create an enabling environment for our officers and their families.  The renovated Officers’ Mess stands as a symbol of our commitment to improving the welfare and morale of our personnel, providing more conducive space for relaxation, camaraderie, and professional bonding.

“Similarly,  the  new  COWA  Office  Complex  represents  our  recognition  of  the invaluable contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in supporting our officers, fostering community development and promoting the well-being of families within the Seme Command”, Oramalugo said.

He used the opportunity to highlight the command’s activities under his watch, listing some of its cardinal achievements.

“The journey to this moment has been one of collective effort. I must commend the officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their relentless dedication to duty,  which  has  created  the  foundation  for  achievements  like  today.  Your professionalism in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling   has   not   only   strengthened   our   Command   but   also   contributed significantly to national economic development. From January to April 2025, the Command generated the sum of Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three, Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Four Naira and Eighty-Five Kobo (N2, 833,454,444.85k) only.

“In terms of export the Command processed over One Hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand (184,000) metric tonnes of export goods valued at over Thirty-Six Billion Naira (N36) The strategies on Anti-smuggling has resulted in many arrest and seizures with a Duty  Paid  Value  (DPV)  of  over  Eight  Hundred  Million  Naira,  a  feat  that underscores our commitment to excellence and zero tolerance to smuggling.”

Speaking on COWA, he said: “To  the  members  of  COWA,  I  extend  my  heartfelt  appreciation.  Your tireless efforts in community engagement, empowerment programs, and support for our officers’ families have been instrumental in bringing this office complex to reality. This new facility will undoubtedly enhance your capacity to carry out your noble initiatives, and I am confident it will serve as a hub for innovation and positive impact in our border community.”

Unpretentious, cerebral and outspoken, Oramalugo also thanked the CGC for bringing merit and competence, fairness and finesse into the leadership space, while also appreciating support of sister agencies.

“To our sister security agencies, your synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened our resolve to secure our borders and maintain peace in this region.

“To the Comptroller General, sir, your visionary leadership has been the driving force behind the modernization and transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service. Your policy thrust, centered on collaboration, consolidation and innovation has inspired us at Seme Area Command to push boundaries and achieve milestones. The projects you are to commission today are a direct reflection of your emphasis on officers’ welfare and operational excellence. We are immensely grateful for your guidance and support.

“As you unveil these facilities, I urge all officers to see them as tools to enhance our service delivery.  Let the renovated Officers’ Mess be a place where we forge stronger bonds and renew our commitment to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs   Service.  Let the COWA Office Complex  be  a  beacon  of  hope, empowering our families and communities. Together, we must continue to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and discipline in all our endeavors.

Comptroller Oramalugo used the occassion to formally present the CGC a revised edition of his book ‘Nigeria Customs Administration’, with a plea for the CGC to encourage officers and men to read the book and get the benefit of its instructive oversights on customs administration and operation. Also speaking, Seme COWA Chairperson, Mrs Felicia Oramalugo thanked the CGC, COWA National Chairperson, Mrs. Kikeolomo Adeniyi, her husband, Comptroller Oramalugo, Officers of the command and their wives for gracing the occasion and making the commissioning of the COWA Office count.

Adeniyi just before cutting the tape for the commissioning of the office pledged the headquarters’ continued support  towards making COWA activities successful and impactful.