How Compt Kolade Increased Seme Border Customs 2024 Revenue Target from N4.6billion to N7.1billion in 3-Months

—Decorates Newly Promoted Officers, As 135 gets New Ranks

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Fresh indications have emerged that the Nigerian Customs Service anti-smuggling Czar, Comptroller Kayode Kolade, who took over the Seme Customs Command from Assistant Comptroller General Timi Bomodi on 10th September 2024, was able to increase the existing 2024 revenue generation figure of the command from N4.6billion to N7.1billion.

Comptroller Kolade at Seme-Krake Border on Monday gave the command’s revenue performance for the year 2024 while he was decorating some of the 135 officers of the command who benefitted from the recent promotion exercise of the service.

The decoration, alongside a free medical checkup for travellers, stakeholders and officers, formed part of activities to mark the 2025 International Customs Day celebration at the command.

Speaking on the command’s revenue performance for 2024, the anti-smuggling czar said “The Command as at 31st December 2024, collected a total of N7, 166,576, 397.49 only, representing 80% of the target performance.
These figures are higher than (N5, 885, 697, 334. 62 only collected in the corresponding period of 2023.
This amount saw an upward increase of N1, 280, 879, 062.87 only, equivalent to 21.7% increase”

On trade facilitation, Compt Kolade revealed that the Seme Command Export seat in 2024 facilitated a total of 306, 039. 57 metric tonnes equivalent of 8,487 trucks of export produce for the 2024 fiscal year with a free on board (FOB) value of N77, 8billion which is equivalent to $76, 687, 873. 81.

The Nigeria Export supervision scheme (NESS) paid for the year, according to him was N387, 875, 923.43 only, while the surcharge paid during the 2024 fiscal year was N87, 446, 397.00 only.

On anti-smuggling operations, Compt Kolade said “The enforcement unit of the Command has sustained surveillance of our border against the illicit activities of the daredevil smugglers.

“This onslaught translates into nine hundred and twenty – one (921) numbers of interceptions consisting of various contraband items for the year 2024. These items include the following:

—PMS: 40, 671 X 30 liters Jerry cans equivalent to 37 Tanker loads.
—Rice: 11, 569 bags of SOkg each equivalent to 19 Trailers loads.
—24 used vehicles and means of conveyance.

-1934 parcels of hard drugs and narcotics among others.

“The Duty Paid Value of these items stood at N1,895,175,942.00 only. Fortyeight (48) suspects were arrested in connection with various seizures during the period under review.

“Additionally, let me also inform you that the Command also won an award as a best Land Border Command in Trade Facilitation during the CGC Excellent Awards Night at Abuja in November 29, 2024.

“This award is recognition for modest contributions at the Seme Command for always striving for excellence. I thank the CGC and his management team for this recognition and assured him that the Command will continue to project the good image of the service and the Country as a frontier for trade in West and Central Africa Regions” he said

While addressing the newly promoted Customs officers of the command, Compt Kolade said the elevation is recognition of the officers exceptional courage, integrity and professionalism.

“As we celebrate this success, we should also know that it comes with huge responsibilities. Therefore, I charged you to be responsible enough to continue striving for excellence.

“Remember, leadership is not about titles or position but a huge responsibility; I encourage you to be role models, mentors and coaches. Lead with humility, empathy and compassion.

“To those who did not receive the promotion this time, I urge you not to be discouraged. Promotion comes from God; continue to work hard, exercise patients and your time will come. Do not relent or get demoralized” he said

135 officers benefited from the promotion for both seniors and 1 juniors ranks in the Command. The breakdown is as follows;

i. Deputy Comptroller of CustomsComptroller of Customs = 1 officer

ii. Assistant Comptroller of Customs – Deputy Comptroller of Customs = 7 officers

ii. Chief Superintendent of Customs – Assistant Comptroller of Customs -= 10 officers

iv. Superintendent of Customs – Chief Superintendent of Customs = 12 officers

v. Deputy Superintendent of Customs – Superintendent of Customs = 12 officers ..

vi. Assistant superintendent of Customs 1Deputy Superintendent of Customs = 18 officers

vii. Assistant Superintendent of Customs 2Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1 = 29 officers

Vill. Inspector of Customs – Assistant superintendent of Customs 2= 15 officers

ix. Assistant Inspector of Customs – Inspector of Customs = 18 officers

X. Customs Assistant 2Customs Assistant 1 = 6 officers while Customs Assistant 3Customs Assistant 2= 7 officers.

Overall, 89 senior officers got promoted in the Command while 44 officers were promoted in the junior ranks.