Seme Customs Command Unveils Senior Officers Mess, Gym House, COWA Office Complex
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command on Monday marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of a newly renovated Senior Officers Mess, a state-of-the-art Gym House, and the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) Office Complex.
The landmark event, graced by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the NCS’s commitment to officer welfare and operational efficiency.
Comptroller Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, expressed immense joy and gratitude during the commissioning of the projects, saying that the structures are more than just physical buildings; they symbolize a deep-rooted commitment to teamwork, dedication, and the shared vision of creating an enabling environment for officers and their families under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi.
The renovated Officers’ Mess is set to provide a more conducive space for relaxation, camaraderie, and professional bonding, directly contributing to the morale and welfare of personnel.
Similarly, the new COWA Office Complex acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in supporting officers, fostering community development, and promoting family well-being within the Seme Command.
Comptroller Oramalugo lauded the officers and men of the Seme Area Command for their relentless dedication to duty, which has laid the foundation for such achievements.
He specifically commended their professionalism in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts. From January to April 2025, the Seme Command generated over N2.83 billion in revenue and processed over 184,000 metric tonnes of export goods valued at more than N36 billion.
Furthermore, anti-smuggling strategies resulted in numerous arrests and seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N800 million, a testament to the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit trade.
Dr. Oramalugo extended heartfelt appreciation to the members of COWA, whose tireless efforts in community engagement, empowerment programs, and support for officers’ families were instrumental in bringing the new office complex to reality.
He expressed confidence that the new facility would enhance COWA’s capacity to carry out its noble initiatives and serve as a hub for innovation and positive impact within the border community.
The synergy with sister security agencies was also acknowledged as a crucial factor in strengthening border security and maintaining peace in the region.
Addressing the Comptroller General, Dr. Oramalugo praised CGC Adeniyi’s visionary leadership, which he credited as the driving force behind the modernization and transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service. He noted that the CGC’s policy thrust, centered on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, has inspired the Seme Area Command to achieve new milestones.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Oramalugo urged all officers to view the new facilities as tools to enhance service delivery. He encouraged the Officers’ Mess to be a place for forging stronger bonds and renewing commitment to the core mandates of the NCS, while the COWA Office Complex should serve as a beacon of hope, empowering families and communities.
He emphasized the importance of upholding values of integrity, professionalism, and discipline in all endeavors.
