By Andrew Utulu
A new Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has assumed officer at the Seme Area Command of the Service.
He is Comptroller Wale Adenuga, who formally took over the mantle of leadership from ACG Ben Oramarugo at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake Border Post.
Isah Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command of NCS disclosed in a statement he signed for the Customs Area Controller of the Command.
Suleiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), said the handing over ceremony brought together senior officials from sister security agencies, representatives of trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Comptroller Adenuga, while speaking in his inaugural address, praised the outgoing CAC for his achievements and pledged to consolidate on them.
He outlined his vision for the Command, placing trade facilitation at the heart of his leadership.
“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” he stated.
“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 added.
Adenuga pledged to collaborate closely with sister agencies, including the DSS, Nigeria Police, Immigration, NDLEA, Nigerian Military, NAFDAC and others to reduce crime and create a conducive environment for business to thrive.
He also committed to maintaining open communications with the traditional rulers, the youth of Badagry and the media and assured all that his doors remained opened.
He promised to lead from the front and ensure officers remain disciplined and committed to their responsibility and not to compromise their duties.
Acknowledging the leadership of the CGC, who is also the President of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council and the first Nigerian to hold the role, Comptroller Adenuga stressed the need to make the CGC proud through exemplary performance.
In his farewell remarks, ACG Oramalugo described the day as one of “mixed emotions”, joy at God’s faithfulness and his promotion, but nostalgia for the bonds built during his time in Seme.
He highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including sustained suppression of smuggling with significant seizures of prohibited goods. Improved revenue collection and enhanced trade facilitation to ease legitimate business while safeguarding national security, as well as fostering inter-agency cooperation and community engagement, among others.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and NCS Management for their support.
He thanked his officers and men for their loyalty and discipline, urging all stakeholders to extend “even greater support” to his successor.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from heads of sister agencies and stakeholders, including the Comptroller of Immigration at the Joint Border Post, Comptroller of Immigration Land Border Patrol, Nigeria Shippers Council, NDLEA, FRSC, among others.
The event ended with a collective pledge from all agencies and stakeholders to work in synergy with the new leadership to boost revenue, curb smuggling, enhance security and promote seamless trade at the Seme Border.
