By Femi Anamelechi
Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command has Ushered in New leadership as Deputy Comptroller N. Olisa Alumanah assumes office as Acting Customs Area Controller and promising a more disciplined approach to border operations.The new leadership also promised traders, transporters, importers and other businesses operating along the Nigeria-Benin corridor that the change in leadership comes with expectations of improved trade procedures, reduced delays and a more transparent relationship between Customs officers and legitimate traders.Alumanah made the commitment on Wednesday 11th November 2026 at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, Seme, during a handover ceremony on where he officially took over from the outgoing Assistant Comptroller-General Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila. Speaking to press men, the new Controller made it clear that his administration would not sacrifice legitimate trade in the name of enforcement, nor compromise national security and government revenue in the interest of trade facilitation. He outlined three major priorities for his administration: which is revenue generation, intelligence-led enforcement and trade facilitation.On revenue, Alumanah promised to block leakages and strengthen collection, warning against undervaluation, export violations and other activities capable of denying the government legitimate revenue.He further pointed out the need for intelligence-driven enforcement against smuggling, making it clear that officers must rely on professionalism and credible information rather than intimidation.However, his message on trade facilitation may be particularly significant for businesses that depend on the Seme corridor for the movement of goods and services.The Acting Controller warned officers against unnecessary delays, intimidation, unauthorised demands and other forms of misconduct that could discourage legitimate traders from using the border.
“Our objective must be to enforce compliance without unnecessary obstruction and trade facilitation without compromising national security or revenue,” he declared. The Acting controller also warned that nobody would be above accountability, regardless of rank, position or personal relationship. According to him, officers who demonstrate honesty and professionalism would receive his support, but those involved in unlawful conduct would not enjoy protection. Alumanah also called for greater adoption of technology, modernisation and continuous professional development, noting that the changing nature of border operations requires officers to improve their skills and embrace more efficient methods of service delivery., the outgoing Controller, ACG Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to teamwork, intelligence gathering, effective supervision and cooperation among security and regulatory agencies. He particularly acknowledged the contributions of the sister agency and other stakeholders in maintaining security and supporting operations at the border.Kaila maintained that the fight against smuggling and illicit trade could only be successful when security agencies work together, irrespective of their individual institutional responsibilities.“Criminal activities will not operate within the boundaries of institutional responsibilities. Therefore, our response must be coordinated,” he said.He also left a message for officers and personnel of the command, warning that internal divisions and personal differences could undermine operational effectiveness.
According to him “A command divided by personal differences cannot achieve its full potential,” Kaila highlighted The focus now is on the acting controller three point agenda. Beyond revenue figures and seizure records, traders and other border users will be watching to see whether legitimate cargo can move with fewer delays, whether officers will maintain professional conduct and whether enforcement activities will be guided by intelligence and transparency. Suffice to point out Seme corridor remains an important gateway for Nigeria’s trade with neighbouring West African countries. Its effectiveness therefore goes beyond Customs operations; it has implications for businesses, consumers, transport operators and the wider economy.
