The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, hit a historic revenue surge with the collection of over 27 billion, compared to approximately ₦8 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025, which represents an increase of about ₦19 billion, equivalent to an impressive growth of approximately 233%.
This was revealed during the official handover ceremony of the Command’s leadership mantle on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, from the outgoing Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Kail, to the incoming Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah.
Speaking at the event, the outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC) said the achievements recorded during his tenure were not accidental, but the result of deliberate efforts, improved compliance, stronger operational coordination, effective monitoring of trade activities, enhanced enforcement of Customs regulations, and officers’ dedication.
“Today, as I prepare to move on, I can confidently say that you gave me far more than I requested. To the officers and men of Seme Area Command, I say a very big thank you. You stood with me through demanding assignments, operational pressures and the daily challenges of border management. You demonstrated resilience when the task was difficult, professionalism when the pressure was high, and determination when results were required. Your sacrifices, often made away from the comfort of your homes and families, contributed immensely to the progress we have recorded so far,” he said.
In his remarks, the incoming Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah, appreciated his predecessor’s remarkable leadership, under whose guidance the Command recorded impressive revenue growth, strengthened intelligence collaboration, and intensified efforts against smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality to achieve discipline, professionalism, and operational stability.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in me, and I assure the Management that I will do my utmost to justify this trust through purposeful leadership, commitment to duty, and measurable results,” he said.
The official handover also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, sister security agencies and members of the border community who bade farewell to the outgoing Customs Area Controller. He is expected to resume as a member of the Service management team.
