THE Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of 37 fully loaded tankers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, which were on the verge of being smuggled out of the country in 2024.
Speaking to journalists about the command’s activities in 2024 and the celebration of International Customs Day (ICD), the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Kayode Kolade, revealed that the command also seized 19 trucks loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice.
Comptroller Kolade further stated that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods amounted to ₦1.895 billion, while 48 suspected smugglers were arrested during the year under review.
“The enforcement unit of the command has maintained surveillance over our borders to curb the illicit activities of these smugglers. This crackdown resulted in 921 interceptions involving various contraband items throughout 2024. These include PMS: 40,671 jerrycans of 30 litres, equivalent to 37 tanker loads, and 11,569 bags of 50kg smuggled foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 19 trailer loads.
“Other confiscated items include 24 used vehicles, various means of conveyance, and 1,934 parcels of hard drugs and narcotics.
“The total Duty Paid Value of these goods stood at ₦1.895 billion. A total of 48 suspects were arrested in connection with various seizures during the period under review. Additionally, I am pleased to inform you that the command won an award for being the Best Land Border Command in Trade Facilitation at the CGC Excellence Awards Night in Abuja on 29th November 2024.
“This award is a recognition of the Seme Command’s dedication to excellence. I extend my gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and his management team for this recognition. I assure them that the command will continue to uphold the good image of the service and the country as a key trade hub in West and Central Africa.”
The command also decorated 135 junior and senior officers who were promoted to higher ranks, including the Public Relations Officer, Hussein Abdullahi, who was elevated from Superintendent of Customs to Chief Superintendent of Customs.
“A total of 135 officers benefited from the promotion exercise, spanning both senior and junior ranks in the command. The breakdown of the promoted officers is as follows: one officer was promoted from Deputy Comptroller of Customs to Comptroller of Customs; seven officers advanced from Assistant Comptroller of Customs to Deputy Comptroller of Customs; ten officers moved from Chief Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptroller of Customs; and 12 officers were promoted from Superintendent of Customs to Chief Superintendent of Customs.
“Additionally, 12 officers advanced from Deputy Superintendent of Customs to Superintendent of Customs; 18 officers moved from Assistant Superintendent of Customs I to Deputy Superintendent of Customs; 29 officers were promoted from Assistant Superintendent of Customs II to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I; and 15 officers were elevated from Inspector of Customs to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II.
“Furthermore, 18 officers were promoted from Assistant Inspector of Customs to Inspector of Customs; six officers moved from Customs Assistant II to Customs Assistant I; and seven officers advanced from Customs Assistant III to Customs Assistant II.
“In total, 89 senior officers and 44 junior officers were promoted within the command.
“It is an honour to celebrate with you on the occasion of your decoration following the recently announced promotions by NCS Management. This promotion is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
“I congratulate all of you. Your elevation is a recognition of your exceptional courage, integrity, and professionalism. As we celebrate this success, we must also acknowledge the responsibilities that come with it.
