Seme Customs Seeks Cross-Border Collaboration to Boost Trade, Curb Crime
By Abass Quadri
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has called for stronger collaboration with trans-border stakeholders to enhance legitimate trade and tackle criminal activities along the Lagos–Benin corridor.
The appeal was made during a series of familiarisation visits to traditional institutions and sister security agencies, as part of efforts to align with President Bola Tinubu’s economic prosperity agenda.
Speaking on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at the Palace of the Alapa of Apa, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships to discharge the Service’s mandate effectively.
“We value the traditional institution for its role in promoting peace and unity, and we are here to partner with you to encourage lawful trade, which remains a key part of our mandate”, he said.
Comptroller Kaila reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, noting that officers and men would continue to perform their statutory duties with respect for the culture and traditions of host communities.
In his response, the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Ilufemiloye, commended the Area Controller’s approach and described him as a respected professional among border communities.
“I promise to always assist you in my area for anything you need. Our border has remained peaceful because our youths listen to the elders, and with your presence, I am confident things will continue to improve for the better”, the monarch stated.
As part of the outreach, Comptroller Kaila also visited the headquarters of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Station in Ahanve-Badagry, the Palace of the Akran of Badagry, the Onibereko of Ibereko, and officials of the Republic of Benin Police, signalling a coordinated effort to remove barriers to the seamless movement of goods and services across the border.
