The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command welcomed members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Customs and Excise on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Led by Chairman Rt. Honourable Leke Abejide, the delegation conducted an oversight visit to evaluate operations and assess budgetary alignment.
This initiative aimed to scrutinize revenue performance and capital projects funded under 2023 and 2024 allocations, reinforcing legislative support for efficient customs administration.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller, expressed gratitude for the committee’s engagement, stressing Seme Command’s strategic role in regional trade.
He highlighted the Joint Border Post (JBP) on the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor as a critical hub for streamlining cross-border activities.
“This facility accelerates trade, cuts transit times, and boosts intelligence-sharing among ECOWAS nations,” Oramalugo explained.
Meanwhile, he underscored ongoing efforts to curb smuggling, particularly illicit arms, despite operational hurdles.
However, Oramalugo detailed persistent challenges, including crumbling infrastructure and a seven-year power outage plaguing the Seme axis.
He also raised concerns over ocean encroachment threatening border security.
These issues, he noted, complicate efforts to maintain seamless trade and safeguard national interests.
In response, Rt. Hon. Abejide reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to aligning NCS operations with fiscal priorities.
“Our oversight ensures public funds drive tangible results,” he asserted, pledging to address raised concerns during budget reviews.
Furthermore, he praised the Command’s resilience in balancing trade facilitation with security imperatives amid adversity.
The visit concluded with both parties vowing to deepen collaboration, recognizing the NCS as vital to economic stability and regional cooperation.
Lawmakers pledged actionable recommendations to bolster infrastructure and resource allocation, while customs officials committed to transparency and efficiency.
Ultimately, the engagement highlighted progress and gaps, framing a roadmap for sustained reforms.
Stakeholders face complex challenges; therefore, the dialogue emphasized the importance of collaboration between legislative and executive branches to strengthen Nigeria’s borders.
This cooperation, in turn, can unlock broader economic potential for the entire West African region.
