Smuggling: Seme Customs Intercepts 10,000 Bags Of Expired Flour

*Records increase of 182% in revenue to over N1bn in September

By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command has intercepted 10,000 bags of expired flour, smugglers were attempting to import into the country.

This was disclosed by the Area Controller, Comptroller A.O. Adenuga, in his maiden press briefing held on Thursday October 9, 2025, to brief the press on the activities of the command from September 1 to October 9.

“During the period under review, our operatives through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration, made significant seizures notably:

“Five (5) trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of One Billion, Two Hundred and Ten Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,210,300,000.00) only, intercepted in a joint operation with NAFDAC,” he disclosed.

According to him, the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.

“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust,” he added.

While listing other seizures made within the period under review he said that, one thousand one hundred and four (1,104) parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) was intercepted through actionable intelligence.

“The social and psychological toll of such substances on our youth can not be overstated,” he said.

According to him, ” one Hundred and Twenty (120) packs of tramadol 120mg seized by our operatives, with Two (2) suspects handed over to the NDLEA, Seme Command on October 7th, 2025 for further investigation.

“Other seized items include: 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine and five used vehicles.”

The Seme Customs boss revealed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stand at one billion, nine hundred and ninety-nine million, ninety-three thousand, four hundred and twenty-nine naira (₦1,999,093,429.00) only.

“These results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare. Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.

“It is worthy of note to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy (NN), for their support in the fight against smuggling in this corridor. The NN FOB Badagry has demonstrated that we are partners in this fight against smuggling by severally handing over foreign parboiled rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and its surrounding, we really appreciate them for that,” he explained.

While welcoming those at the briefing, he said that to the glory of Almighty God, and through the gracious confidence reposed on him by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and his esteemed management team, he is deeply honoured to assume the leadership of the Command, a responsibility he officially took over on September 8, 2025.

“This occasion presents an important opportunity to render an account of my stewardship and to share the progress we have collectively achieved within this short but eventful period. Guided by the vision and reform-driven philosophy of the Comptroller General of Customs and propelled by the dedication and professionalism of the officers and men of this Command, we have made remarkable strides in fulfilling our core mandates.

“Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared Trade Facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated.

“Guided by the CGC’s commitment to transparency and modernization, the Seme Area Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor,” he said

He said that under the renewed vigour inspired by the CGC’s leadership, the Command generated a total of one billion, five hundred million, twenty-nine thousand, two hundred and thirty-three naira and eighty-eight kobo (₦1,500,029,233.88) in September 2025, compared to five hundred and thirty-one million, four hundred and sixty-two thousand, three hundred and thirty-two naira and forty-five kobo (₦531,462,332.45) only collected in August 2025, representing an exceptional increase of over 182%.

“This outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the CGC’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency and data-driven monitoring of goods as well as the dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service.

“In alignment with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through non-oil exports and in direct compliance with the CGC’s directive to promote legitimate export trade, the Command facilitated the export of Fifty-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Nine Point Four Six Metric Tonnes (53,989.46) metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of Seven Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira and Seventy-Eight Kobo (₦7,969,376,198.78) only.

“The total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at Thirty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Naira, Forty-Two Kobo (₦39,868,354.42) only.

“These exports, comprising agricultural produce and manufactured goods, demonstrate the renewed confidence of exporters in the Seme Command as a viable trade hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS),” he said.

On anti-smuggling operations, he said that under the guidance of the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, Seme Command remains unwavering in its commitment to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health and economic stability.

On stakeholder engagement and inter-agency synergy, he said that in alignment with The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC’s) emphasis on stakeholder collaboration, the Command convened two major stakeholders’ engagements from October 6 to 7 2025.

“The first meeting brought together Heads of Security Agencies, traditional rulers, and critical stakeholders along the Seme–Krake corridor, where far-reaching resolutions were reached to address multiple checkpoints, extortion and other trade impediments.

“All agencies reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating unnecessary checkpoints and ensuring the seamless movement of legitimate goods and persons without compromising national security. The second engagement involved our Benin Republic Customs counterparts, businessmen and licensed Customs agents from both sides of the border.

“This collaborative forum aimed to harmonize border operations and further strengthen the Lagos–Abidjan trade corridor, reflecting the CGC’s regional integration agenda,” he assured.

On their commitment going forward, he said that under the visionary leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Seme Area Command remains resolute in balancing the triad of revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security.

“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.

“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint,” he pledged.

He therefore, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire management team for their unwavering support, visionary leadership, and invaluable mentorship.

“My sincere appreciation also goes to the Military, the NPF, DSS, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant security agencies for their continuous collaboration. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders, as well as the good people of Badagry Local Government, for their remarkable cooperation and partnership.

“I equally commend the hardworking members of the press (our steadfast partners in progress).

“To our esteemed stakeholders and, above all, the dedicated officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, your commitment, diligence and excellence remain the driving force behind our collective success. You are all deeply appreciated. Your dedication continues to inspire this Command’s achievements and strengthen our resolve to serve with integrity and distinction,” he said.