Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Area Command Strengthens Stakeholder Relations to Enhance Security, Facilitate Trade

By Winifred Ngozi Orji 

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - February 20, 2025: In a bid to bolster its operational efficiency, enhance security, and facilitate trade, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Seme Area Command has embarked on a series of strategic visits to key stakeholders in Badagry, Lagos State to seek collaboration with them.

Oramalugo during his visit to the Royal father 

Led by the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Benedict Oramalugo, the visits took place between February 19 and 20, 2025, and aimed to strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.

Oramalugo, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of synergy between the Customs Service and other stakeholders in ensuring a secure and conducive environment for legitimate trade to thrive. He acknowledged the pivotal role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and stability, and reiterated the Command's commitment to building strong partnerships with these stakeholders.

"We recognize the significance of traditional leaders in our society, and we are committed to working closely with them to ensure that our operations are aligned with the needs and aspirations of our host communities," Oramalugo stated.

During the visits, Oramalugo and his team paid homage to the Oba of Badagry, Oba Akran, and the Oba of Iberoko, acknowledging their role in maintaining peace and stability in their domains. The Customs boss also seized the opportunity to brief the traditional leaders on the Command's efforts to combat smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and promote economic growth.

In addition to the traditional leaders, he and his team also visited top security formations in the area, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army 243 RECCE Battalion Regiment, the Nigerian Police Division, Badagry, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

During these engagements, discussions centered on strengthening intelligence-sharing, improving border security, and tackling smuggling and other transborder crimes.  Oramalugo stressed the need for effective collaboration among security agencies and other stakeholders to combat these challenges and promote a secure and enabling environment for trade and economic growth.

He reiterated his commitment to building strong partnerships with stakeholders, stating, "Our mission at Seme Area Command goes beyond revenue collection; it extends to ensuring national security and fostering economic growth. Strong partnerships with traditional institutions, security agencies, and other stakeholders are vital in achieving these objectives."

With this renewed focus on stakeholder engagement, the Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command is poised to enhance its operational efficiency, improve security, and facilitate trade in the region. The Command's efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders are expected to yield positive results, including improved compliance with customs regulations, reduced smuggling, and increased revenue generation.

As the Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command continues to implement its strategic plan, stakeholders are optimistic that the Command's efforts will contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.