Legitimate Trade: How Comptroller Adenuga Facilitated Over N7bn FOB Value of Export in One Month 

Nifemi Coker

For Comptroller Wale Adenuga’s one month scorecard as the Customs Area Controller of Seme/Krake Joint Border Post, his mission to improve trade facilitation is clear as he posted a total of seven billion, nine hundred and sixty-nine million, three hundred and seventy-six thousand, one hundred and eighty-eight naira, seventy-eight kobo (N7,969,376,188.78k) as Free On Board (FOB) value for exports facilitated between his assumption of office on September 8th 2025 and October 8th 2025.

This figure by far dwarfs the command’s revenue generated for the month under review which stood at one billion, five hundred million, twenty-nine thousand, two hundred and thirty- three naira, eighty three kobo (N1,500,029,233.88k).

Although this revenue feat highlights a 182 per cent increase from the figure collected for the month of August 2025 (five hundred and thirty one mIllion, four hundred and sixty-two thousand, eight hundred and thirty-two naira forty-five kobo (N531,462,832.45K)), the message is clear- Adenuga is eager to promote legitimate trade and encourage seamless movement of goods for compliant traders.

This, he said, is reflective of the Comptroller General of Custom’s policy thrust built on compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as the dedication of officers and men who continue to embody a vision of a modern, efficient, and an accountable Custom Service.

Speaking at a press briefing earlier today, he stated: “Trade facilitation is my key word and I’m coming with the strong backing of the citizens. We have reduced the time used in declaration. My team and I consult every day. We are reducing this to the bare minimum. So that if a person is bringing cargo here, they come and immediately are able to facilitate it. That way, we are turning things around. So that is my key word: to facilitate trade.

“Also, the first bonded terminal in Seme, Only God is Wise, has been approved by the Nigerian Customs Service. So, most of the goods coming in now can easily go there and then pending examination are released.

“We have equally created an examination bay for Nigerian goods and the CGC is working very hard to get the scanner out for us. Customs is leading the way and we will see a lot of improvements in trade facilitation.”

He explained that in a recent two-day meeting with Customs officials from the Republic of Benin, they had successfully reached significant agreements which will reduce cost associated with movement of transit vehicles.

Outlining the command’s efforts in tackling smuggling, he stated that five trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt was intercepted in a joint operation between the Nigeria Customs Service and NAFDAC.

Each truck carried about 2,000 bags of flour produced in March 2024 which expired in November 2024. “If these things find their way into the country, they will change the bag, and it will go into the market,” he said.

He explained that through credible intelligence led by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr Moji Adeyeye, the command was able to intercept these five trucks.

“The health risks associated with consuming such expired products were related to severe infection, food poisoning, and long-term health implications. Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode customers’ trust.”

Other seized items include: 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa; 98 parcels of tramadol, of 120 mg with two suspects handed over to the NDLEA on the 7th of October for further investigation; 2,043 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice; 150 bales of second-hand clothing; 169 bottles of cough syrup with codeine; and five used vehicles with a total duty pay value for all seizures stands at N1,999,093,429.00 only.

“Our position is clear, any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste. It would be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that will empower thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises and create jobs.”

He commended the Nigerian armed forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy, for their support in the fight against smuggling, noting that the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base had demonstrated partnership in anti-smuggling efforts by handing over intercepted foreign parboiled rice to the Service.

“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder cooperation, and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that Seme/Krake Border remains a gateway of prosperity, not criminality.

“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer, and more prosperous border corridor, in full alignment with the CGC’s organizational blueprints. I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adele MFR, and his great team,” he said