Seme Customs Makes N7.1billion In 3-Months, Records 135 Promotion

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigerian Customs Service, Seme Customs Area Command leveraging on winning strategies and operational efficiency raised its revenue profiled by about N3billion, from N4.6billion to N7.1billion, between September and December 2024, under its new sheriff, Comptroller Kayode Kolade.

Comptroller Kolade decorating a newly promoted Assistant Comptroller of Customs

Regarded as a goal getter and team player, under his watch, the command recently recorded a total of 135 promotions between the ranks and file, including the Command Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Hussein Onawo, who was promoted Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC).

Speaking on the command’s revenue performance for the year ended 2024 during the decoration of the promoted officers ceremony at Seme on Monday, Kolade disclosed that “The Command as at 31st December 2024, collected a total of N7, 166,576, 397.49 only, representing 80% of the target performance. These figures are higher than (N5, 885, 697, 334. 62 only collected in the corresponding period of 2023. This amount saw an upward increase of N1, 280, 879, 062.87 only, equivalent to 21.7% increase”

On trade facilitation, the respected anti-smuggling chief revealed that the Command Export seat facilitated a total of 306, 039. 57 metric tonnes equivalent of 8,487 trucks of export produce for the period under review with a free on board (FOB) value of N77, 8billion which is equivalent to $76, 687, 873. 81.

Some senior officers of the command during the ceremony

He further said that while the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) accounted for  N387, 875, 923.43 only, with a surcharge collection of N87, 446, 397.00 only.

On anti-smuggling operations, Comptroller Kolade said “The enforcement unit of the Command has sustained surveillance of our border against the illicit activities of the daredevil smugglers. This onslaught translates into nine hundred and twenty – one (921) numbers of interceptions consisting of various contraband items for the year 2024.

He listed the seizures to include 40, 671 X 30 liters PMS in Jerry cans equivalent to 37 tanker load, 11, 569 bags of 50kg each equivalent to 19 trailers load, 24 used vehicles and means of conveyance, 1934 parcels of hard drugs and narcotics among others.

This is even as he put the Duty Paid Value of the items at N1,895,175,942.00 only, with 48 suspects said to have been arrested in connection with some of the seizures during the period under review.

The Seme Customs boss used the occasion to highlight some of the recognitions and award that came the way of the command owing to the commitment and dedication of the officers and men.

“Additionally, let me also inform you that the Command also won an award as a best Land Border Command in Trade Facilitation during the CGC Excellent Awards Night at Abuja in November 29, 2024.

“This award is recognition for modest contributions at the Seme Command for always striving for excellence. I thank the CGC and his management team for this recognition and assured him that the Command will continue to project the good image of the service and the Country as a frontier for trade in West and Central Africa Regions” he said

While addressing the newly promoted Customs officers of the command, the ebullient CAC further explained that some of the officers owned their promotion to exceptional courage, integrity and professionalism exhibited on the line of duty.

Addressing the promoted officers, Kolade said, “As we celebrate this success, we should also know that it comes with huge responsibilities. Therefore, I charged you to be responsible enough to continue striving for excellence.

“Remember, leadership is not about titles or position but a huge responsibility; I encourage you to be role models, mentors and coaches. Lead with humility, empathy and compassion. To those who did not receive the promotion this time, I urge you not to be discouraged. Promotion comes from God; continue to work hard, exercise patients and your time will come. Do not relent or get demoralized” he said

Comptroller Kolade explained that of the 135 officers promoted, 89 were in senior cadre while 44 are in the junior ranks.

In line with the 2025 International Customs Day, the Command 2025 offered free medical checks to those who were around including community dwellers.