Seme Customs moves to dismantle border bottlenecks through strategic stakeholder engagement
Maureen Aguta
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intensified efforts to eliminate trade barriers along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, leveraging strategic engagement with traditional institutions, security agencies, and cross-border authorities to boost the seamless movement of goods and services.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Kaila, disclosed this during a series of familiarisation visits across Badagry and adjoining border communities, underscoring the Command’s commitment to aligning its operations with the Federal Government’s economic agenda of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling enforcement.
At the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Controller paid tribute to the late monarch, HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing him as a revered traditional ruler whose influence transcended Nigeria’s border communities. He used the visit to formally introduce himself and solicit royal support for the Service’s mandate.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling,” Kaila said. “We recognise that without the cooperation of traditional rulers, effective performance of our duties as Customs officers would be difficult.”
Responding, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, assured the Command of the community’s continued support, noting that Badagry remains a peaceful enclave committed to safeguarding its borders while promoting legitimate trade activities.
The Controller extended similar outreach to the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, Oba Israel Okoya, who pledged to mobilise local support and maintain discipline among youths to prevent involvement in illegal cross-border activities. “I will always speak to my people whenever necessary to support government efforts,” the monarch affirmed.
At the Palace of the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended Comptroller Kaila’s professionalism and assured him of unwavering cooperation in maintaining peace and supporting Customs operations within the domain.
Beyond traditional institutions, the Seme Command is also reinforcing inter-agency collaboration as a critical pillar of its strategy. During a visit to the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base in Ahanve-Badagry, the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, reiterated the importance of sustained synergy between both agencies, highlighting shared operational goals.
“Our collaboration has been key to the successes recorded in this area. Your visit further strengthens the bond between our Services,” Medugu stated.
In a move to deepen cross-border cooperation, Comptroller Kaila concluded his tour with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police, signalling a renewed push to tackle impediments to trade and enhance bilateral coordination along the international corridor.
The series of engagements reflects a coordinated approach by the Seme Area Command to dismantle operational bottlenecks, strengthen institutional partnerships, and create an enabling environment for legitimate trade along one of West Africa’s busiest transit routes.