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By Steve Agbota
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has undergone a smooth transition of leadership as Comptroller Wale Adenuga officially assumed office yesterday at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post, Seme-Krake.
In his inaugural address, the new Comptroller pledged to strengthen trade facilitation and reposition the Seme Border as a symbol of national pride.
The handover ceremony was graced by senior officials of sister security agencies, representatives of trade and transport stakeholders, community leaders and the media, all of whom highlighted the significance of the event for cross-border trade and national development.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Wale Adenuga praised the outgoing CAC for his achievements and pledged to consolidate them.
He outlined his vision for the Command, placing trade facilitation at the heart of his leadership. “Trade facilitation is my keyword. 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 said.
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 remain open.
He promised to lead from the front and ensure officers remain disciplined and committed to their responsibilities and not to compromise their duties.
Acknowledging the leadership of the CGC, who is also the President of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council and the first Nigerian to hold the role, 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, thanked his officers for their loyalty and discipline and urged 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.
