Seme customs clears over 116,000 metric tonnes of made in Nigeria goods

The Seme Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant milestone in promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive, clearing over 116,000 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods valued at N22.3 billion within a two-month period. The Command’s statistics, between May 14 and July 24, 2025, a total of 1,837 trucks laden with locally […]

The Seme Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a significant milestone in promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive, clearing over 116,000 metric tonnes of made-in-Nigeria goods valued at N22.3 billion within a two-month period.

The Command’s statistics, between May 14 and July 24, 2025, a total of 1,837 trucks laden with locally manufactured goods were cleared for export through the Seme border.

The exported goods, which include agricultural products, manufactured goods, and solid minerals, were destined for various countries, including those in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and beyond.

The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, attributed the success to the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

Oramalugo stated that the Command has implemented various strategies to promote non-oil export, including the provision of incentives for exporters, simplification of export procedures, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The Comptroller revealed that the Command’s efforts to boost legitimate trade are also complemented by its anti-smuggling efforts. Between July 1 and July 19, 2025, the Command seized smuggled goods valued at N1.2 billion.

He revealed that the achievement by the Seme Customs Command is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export revenue and promote economic growth and development.

He stated that between May 14 and July 24, 2025, the Command oversaw the movement of 1,837 trucks laden with the Nigerian-made products with National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees amounting to N111. 8million.

While boosting legitimate trade, the Controller said the Command also intensified its anti-smuggling efforts, yielding seizures of smuggled goods valued at N1. 2billion between July 1 and July 19, 2025.

He said the command operatives, acting on intelligence, intercepted five trucks
containing 2,800 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50Kg each) and 250 bales of second-hand clothing on the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

Seme Customs boosts FG’s non- oil export drive, facilitates 116,000 metric tonnes in two months

He said the seized items with their means of conveyance has a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N919.5million.

Other significant seizures during the review period ncluded 898 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 1,319 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 40 bags of sugar, 64 bags of flour, 50 cartons of Ketchup Tomato, one boat and engine, 20 bales of second-hand clothing, and 4 bales of used shoes.

Comptroller Oramalugo stated that the seizures are a testament to the vigilance, resilience, and doggedness of officers of the command, bolstered by support from other security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military.

He reiterated that the Federal Government’s ban on rice importation through land borders is to protect Nigerian farmers and millers and reduce dependency on foreign rice.

“Nigeria is the highest producer of rice in Africa, with an annual output exceeding 8 million metric tonnes, surpassing Egypt and Tanzania. However, our rice mills continue to face challenges due to insufficient patronage, which hampers their ability to operate at full capacity,”

“Regrettably, some unpatriotic elements persist in engaging in illegal importation, undermining the nation’s economic growth,” Comptroller Oramalugo stated.

He issued a stern warning to smugglers, declaring that the Seme Area Command will never be a fertile ground for smugglers, affirming the Command’s unwavering resolve to enforce fiscal policies.

He added that between the review period, the Command, through commitment and professionalism, generated a total revenue of N1.5billion.

Comptroller Oramalugo commended his officers and men for their dedication and expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for their continuous support, including the recent allocation of 12 patrol vehicles, which he said have significantly enhanced the Command’s operational capacity along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

Seme Customs boosts FG’s non- oil export drive, facilitates 116,000 metric tonnes in two months

In a show of inter-agency cooperation, the seized marijuana was handed over to the representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for further investigation and action.