Pix shows truck load of expired flour seized by the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour valued at N1.2billion.
The Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing on Thursday at the Seme Krake border.
Adenuga explained that the consignment, which originated from Egypt and came through the Benin Republic border, was seized in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The Controller revealed that the interception was achieved through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director General, Moji Adeyeye.
Showcasing the seizures, Adenuga said the flour, which was produced in March 2024, expired in November, 2024, adding that it poses serious public health risk when consumed.
“If these things find their way into the country, they change the bag, and it goes into the markets… the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.
“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.
Highlighting other seizures made by the command in the month of September 2025, Adenuga explained that the command also intercepted 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa through actionable intelligence.
He further explained that the command also arrested two suspects with 120 packs of tramadol (120mg).
“Other seized items include: 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each). 150 bales of second-hand clothing. 169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine. 5 used vehicles
“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stands at N1.999 billion only. These results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare.
“Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs” he added.
Speaking on the command’s revenue performance and strides in trade facilitation, Adenuga said a total of N1.5billion was generated in the month of September 2025 alone.
The figure, he said represent an exceptional increase of over 182% compared to the N531.4million generated in August 2025, the month before his assumption of duty.
“This outstanding performance
reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General’s reform agenda, which emphasizes compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.
Adenuga said the command guided by the Comptroller General of Customs commitment to transparency and modernization has intensified effort to simplify procedures and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of Customs modernization and regional integration along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
“Upon assumption of duty, and in line with the CGC’s strategic vision anchored on the policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation, I declared trade facilitation as the hallmark of our administration. We believe that when trade is facilitated, processes are streamlined, costs are reduced and more revenue is generated, ” he said.
In alignment with the federal government’s economic diversification drive, Adenuga said the command facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tons of non-oil goods, including agricultural produce and manufactured items, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N7,969,376,188.78.
He said the total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at N38. 9million.
The Customs boss also commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Forward Operating Base ( FOB) in Badagry for its support in the fight against smuggling, and handing over seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted on the waterways.
“Under the visionary leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Seme Area Command remains resolute in balancing the triad of Revenue Generation, Trade Facilitation and National Security.
“We shall continue to enhance our operational efficiency through technology, stakeholder collaboration and proactive intelligence. Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake border remains a gateway of prosperity not criminality.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are building a smarter, safer and more prosperous border corridor in full alignment with the CGC’s modernization blueprint, ” he said.
