Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has witnessed a smooth transition in leadership as Comptroller Wale Adenuga officially assumed duty at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake, on Tuesday.
The ceremony, which drew senior officials from sister security agencies, trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders, and the media, marked the handover from outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC), ACG Dera Nnadi Oramalugo, to Comptroller Adenuga.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Adenuga pledged to deepen trade facilitation, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and make the Seme Border “Nigeria’s pride.”
“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” he declared. “When stakeholders make proper declarations, their consignments will leave Customs control within the shortest possible time. The more we facilitate trade, the more revenue we generate and the less smuggling we have.”
He assured stakeholders of an open-door policy, promising to work closely with sister agencies including the DSS, Immigration, NDLEA, Police, Military, and NAFDAC to combat crime and create a business-friendly environment. He also emphasized discipline among officers, stressing that compromise would not be tolerated.
Acknowledging the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who doubles as President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, Adenuga said his administration would strive to make the CGC proud through “exemplary performance.”
In his farewell remarks, ACG Oramalugo reflected on his tenure with “mixed emotions,” noting achievements such as improved revenue generation, sustained suppression of smuggling, enhanced trade facilitation, and stronger inter-agency synergy. He thanked stakeholders for their support and urged them to give even greater cooperation to his successor.
Goodwill messages from heads of sister agencies, including the Immigration Service, Nigeria Shippers Council, NDLEA, and FRSC, reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with the new CAC.
The event ended with a collective pledge by all stakeholders to work in unity with Comptroller Adenuga’s leadership to boost revenue, curb smuggling, strengthen security, and promote seamless trade at the Seme Border.