The Customs Area Controller of Seme Border Command, Compt. Abdullahi Kaila on Monday, opened up on his Command’s strategic role in positioning Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in growing the participation of Nigeria in the new continental trade initiative known as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing the media on Monday, Kaila made it clear that “As one of Nigeria’s most strategic and busiest land border formations, the Seme Area Command occupies a critical position in regional and continental trade integration frameworks, particularly under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He therefore noted that “In line with the trade facilitation mandate of the Service, the Command has intensified engagement with critical stakeholders including licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, transport unions, importers, exporters, traditional institutions, and sister security agencies operating within the corridor.
Continuing, the CAC recalled that “Through sustained stakeholder consultations and regular interface meetings, the Command has addressed operational bottlenecks, simplified clearance procedures, improved compliance awareness, and strengthened mutual trust between the Service and the trading public. Our officers continue to provide guidance and support to Small and Medium Enterprises seeking access to regional and international markets, particularly in export documentation and regulatory compliance processes.
He added that “These initiatives are directly aligned with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, promotion of non-oil exports, and ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business ranking. At Seme Area Command, we remain resolute in our commitment to facilitating lawful trade while ensuring strict enforcement against illicit activities capable of undermining national economic interests.
Giving insights on the Command’s activities in fighting smuggling, Kaila revealed that “the Command has sustained aggressive intelligence-led enforcement activities aimed at combating economic sabotage, protecting local industries, and safeguarding public health and national security.
“Within the last three months, coordinated patrols and surveillance operations conducted along the Seme-Badagry corridor and adjoining routes resulted in the interception of several prohibited and restricted items. Notably, the Command seized 1000 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic substance prohibited under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act and Section 245(1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The seized narcotics are currently being processed for formal handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. In addition, the Command intercepted substantial quantities of unregistered pharmaceutical products, including codeine-based cough syrups and various sexual enhancement drugs lacking certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). These items contravene the provisions of Section 55(1)(c) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The products seized include one carton containing 55 bottles of Ultimate Plus Maca Syrup (100ml each), 88 packs of 99 Bullets Herbal Medicine (30ml each), 10 cartons of Ultimate Plus Maca Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, 14 cartons of Super Sexy Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, 14 cartons of Machine Man Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, quantities of Bottom Up Sildenafil Citrate 200mg, 100 packs of Tramaking, and 100 packs of Tempendol. These products will also be formally handed over to NAFDAC for appropriate regulatory action.
Concluding, the CAC commended the officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty, saying “The Nigeria Customs Service, under the purposeful leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains fully committed to balancing effective revenue generation with trade facilitation, border security, and national economic development. The Seme Area Command will continue to discharge its responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and professionalism in line with the Service’s reform agenda and the expectations of Nigerians.”
