The new Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Wale Adenuga, has pledged to curb smuggling, strengthen border security, boost revenue, and promote seamless trade across the nation’s borders.
Adenuga also promised to work closely with sister agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian military, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to combat crime and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He made the pledge yesterday while formally taking over the leadership of the command from Ben Oramalugo at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake.
In his inaugural address, Adenuga outlined his vision for the Command, placing trade facilitation at the heart of his leadership. He also committed to maintaining open communication with the traditional rulers and youth of Badagry, assuring them that his doors would remain open.
“When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will leave Customs control within the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we have,” he added.
Adenuga praised the outgoing CAC for his achievements and pledged to build on them. He promised to lead from the front and ensure officers remain disciplined, committed to their responsibilities, and uncompromising in their duties.
The handing-over ceremony brought together senior officials from sister security agencies, representatives of trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders, and members of the Fourth Estate.
In his farewell remarks, Oramalugo, highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including the sustained suppression of smuggling with significant seizures of prohibited goods. He also noted improved revenue collection, enhanced trade facilitation to ease legitimate business while safeguarding national security, as well as stronger inter-agency cooperation and community engagement.
Oramalugo expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the NCS management for their support, and thanked his officers for their loyalty and discipline.
The event ended with a collective pledge from all agencies and stakeholders to work in synergy with the new leadership to boost revenue, curb smuggling, enhance security, and promote seamless trade at the Seme Border.
