Seme Customs Facilitates N16.9bn Exports, Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth N669m in Two Months

Boost to Non-Oil Export Revenue

The Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, disclosed that the command facilitated 2,029 export trucks, representing 88,036.15 metric tonnes of Nigerian-made goods. These exports recorded a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of ₦16.9 billion, while National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees reached ₦84.5 million.

“This achievement reflects the command’s sustained efforts to block all revenue leakages and support the Federal Government’s agenda of economic diversification,” Oramalugo stated.

Revenue & Anti-Smuggling Feats

Within the same period, the Seme Command:

• Generated ₦847 million in total revenue, and

• Seized contraband worth ₦669 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

Seized items included:

• 553 parcels of Cannabis Sativa

• 1,415 bags of foreign parboiled rice

• 750 kegs of petrol (PMS)

• 30 cartons of foreign tobacco

• Unregistered pharmaceuticals

• Six canisters of suspected corrosive mercury

• 50 bales of used clothing

• Five vehicles used for smuggling

Strange Seizures: Foreign Coins and Mercury

In separate operations:

• A motorcyclist abandoned a bag filled with coins—over 2,800 pieces including pounds, Canadian cents, and pence—before fleeing.

• A Mazda car was intercepted with hundreds more foreign coins.

• A Toyota Avensis was caught transporting six canisters of corrosive mercury, suspected to be part of an improvised explosive device. One suspect was arrested.

“The total value of these seized foreign coins alone is ₦48.9 million,” Oramalugo noted, adding that these are banned under Schedule 4, Item 18 of the Common External Tariff (CET).

Security & Collaboration

The CAC confirmed that sensitive items such as cannabis, corrosive chemicals, and unregistered drugs would be transferred to relevant agencies for investigation and prosecution.

“This highlights our readiness to work with sister agencies in safeguarding national security,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Oramalugo reaffirmed the command's commitment to its core mandates:

• Revenue generation

• Trade facilitation

• Smuggling suppression

He urged parents and guardians in border areas to educate their children against smuggling and obstructing law enforcement.