Seme Customs Hits N3.4bn in February as Agro Export Surges

Seme Customs Hits N3.4bn in February as Agro Export Surges

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has generated N3.48 billion in revenue in February 2026, with the month yet to end, signaling a sharp rise in cross-border trade along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed that the Command raked in N3,480,970,924.67 in February 2026, compared to N743,698,652.16 recorded in the same period in 2025.

He attributed the surge largely to improved trade facilitation measures and growing confidence among traders using the Seme–Krake corridor.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with cross-border traders, farmers and other stakeholders in Badagry on Wednesday, Adenuga said the revenue leap reflects better trade flow and compliance.

The meeting was organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme and GIZ International. He represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“For this February that has not yet ended, we have already generated N3,480,970,924.67 as against N743,698,652.16 revenue generated in February 2025. This clearly shows that the flow of trade is getting better and people are building greater confidence in the Seme–Krake corridor,” Adenuga said.

He assured traders that the reduction in checkpoints along the Seme–Gbaji axis was the result of strong collaboration with other security agencies. According to him, only Agbara and Gbaji remain the officially approved Customs checkpoints on the corridor.

Adenuga also linked the drop in crime along the axis to regular joint border security meetings involving all agencies at the post. He said the engagements have improved intelligence sharing and strengthened coordinated responses to threats, creating a safer environment for legitimate trade.

Despite the revenue gains, the Controller stressed that the Command remains firm in tackling smuggling and other illegal activities. He disclosed that operatives recently intercepted a Toyota Highlander conveying 22 packages of cocaine with an estimated street value of over N1 billion. The seizure, he said, was made possible through credible intelligence.

In addition, the Command seized 1,000 bags of 50kg parboiled rice in February alone, reinforcing its resolve to protect the nation’s economic borders.

Adenuga reiterated the commitment of the Command to work closely with traders, farmers, security agencies and regional partners to sustain the growing momentum in trade while maintaining tight security along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.