New Seme Customs Boss Move To Strengthen Stakeholders Alliance

BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a strategic move to strengthen collaboration and enhance operational efficiency, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, has embarked on a series of courtesy visits to key traditional leaders and security agencies in Badagry, Lagos State.

A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman noted that the visits between 19 and 20 February  2025 emphasise the Command’s unwavering commitment to promoting strong relationships with stakeholders to reinforce scurity measures and promote seamless trade facilitation in the area.

The statement reads: “During the engagement, Comptroller Oramalugo paid homage to the Oba Akran of Badagry and the Oba of Iberoko, acknowledging the crucial role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and stability. He reiterated the importance of synergy between Customs and local authorities in ensuring a secure and conducive environment for legitimate trade.

“As part of efforts to enhance inter-agency cooperation, the Customs boss also visited top security formations, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army 243 RECCE Battalion Regiment,  the Nigerian Police Division, Badagry and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Discussions during these engagements centered on strengthening intelligence-sharing, improving border security, and fostering a more coordinated approach to tackling smuggling and other transborder crimes.”

Comptroller Oramalugo emphasized that effective stakeholder collaboration remains a cornerstone of the Command’s strategy to optimize revenue generation, enhance border security, and contribute to national development.

“Our mission at Seme Area Command goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to ensuring national security and fostering economic growth. Strong partnerships with traditional institutions and security agencies are vital in achieving these objectives.

“When I was posted to the Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, the CGC told me to meet all sister agencies and seek synergy with them in order to combat smuggling here. I need your collaboration here in the Seme command to succeed. I want your assurance that when we are overwhelmed with smugglers you will always come to assist us to combat them.

“I am here to build synergy with other security agencies so that I can succeed like I did in other commands. We are all working for the Nigeria State”, he said.