The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, reported significant progress in export processing and revenue generation during the first quarter of 2025. Between January and March, the command facilitated the export of 96,000 metric tonnes of cargo, valued at N20.4 billion (free-on-board). This achievement underscores the command’s commitment to boosting export activities, a crucial aspect of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy. Concurrently, the command generated N1.9 billion in revenue, attributed to enhanced compliance, risk management strategies, and strengthened enforcement efforts. This positive performance reflects the effectiveness of the command’s operational approach in maximizing revenue collection for the government. Beyond revenue generation, the Seme Area Command also demonstrated its dedication to combating illicit trade. The command recorded seizures of various contraband goods, including petroleum products, narcotics, foreign rice, poultry, and vehicles, with a combined duty paid value of N855 million. This reflects the command’s proactive stance against smuggling and its commitment to protecting the nation’s borders from illegal activities.
Despite the impressive performance, the Seme Area Command faces significant operational challenges. These include inadequate infrastructure, shortages of personnel and essential equipment, a persistent lack of power supply for over seven years in the entire Seme Axis, and the escalating threat of ocean encroachment. These challenges pose a serious threat to the command’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate and require urgent government intervention. Addressing these infrastructural and logistical constraints is crucial for optimizing the command’s operational capacity and ensuring long-term success. The command’s call for government support emphasizes the need for investment in technology, environmental protection measures, and the enforcement of contractual obligations related to stalled projects.
The visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise provided a platform for direct engagement and assessment of the Seme Area Command’s operations. The committee’s oversight function, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in government agencies. The visit served as an opportunity to review the command’s financial records, operational procedures, and ongoing projects, ensuring alignment with budgetary allocations. This interaction between the legislative and executive branches underscores the importance of checks and balances in governance, contributing to improved public sector management. The committee’s focus on revenue performance data, the impact of e-customs and digital platforms, and efforts to combat smuggling demonstrates a comprehensive approach to evaluating the command’s effectiveness.
The Seme Area Command’s strategic location along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor positions it as a critical trade hub for the region. The command’s active participation in the Joint Border Post (JBP) initiative, a collaborative effort with the Republic of Benin, further strengthens regional cooperation and trade facilitation. The JBP model promotes intelligence sharing and streamlines customs clearance procedures, creating a more efficient and secure border environment. This collaborative approach is essential for promoting cross-border trade and fostering economic integration within the region. The Seme Area Command’s commitment to the JBP initiative demonstrates its proactive role in regional development and its dedication to modernizing border management practices.
The House Committee on Customs and Excise emphasized its commitment to a thorough assessment of the command’s operations and capital projects. This evaluation focuses on ensuring that budgetary allocations are utilized effectively and that projects align with the overall objectives of the customs service. The committee’s scrutiny of the command’s performance highlights its role in ensuring responsible use of public funds and promoting efficient government operations. The committee’s request for data on revenue performance, the impact of technological advancements, and anti-smuggling efforts demonstrates a data-driven approach to oversight. This approach allows for a more objective assessment of the command’s achievements and challenges, contributing to informed decision-making regarding future budgetary allocations and policy adjustments.
The Seme Area Command’s performance in the first quarter of 2025 reflects a combination of successes and ongoing challenges. The command’s achievements in export facilitation and revenue generation demonstrate its commitment to its core mandate. Simultaneously, the operational challenges faced by the command underscore the need for continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and human resources. The oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise serves as a crucial mechanism for accountability and performance evaluation. The committee’s engagement with the command provides valuable insights into the operational realities on the ground and informs policy recommendations for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Service. The collaborative approach embodied in the JBP initiative further strengthens regional cooperation and contributes to a more secure and prosperous border environment. The Seme Area Command’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operations, address challenges, and embrace regional partnerships are essential for its continued success in facilitating legitimate trade and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
