••• Pledges to uphold the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs.
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has officially welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, PhD, as its new Customs Area Controller following the retirement of his predecessor.
Comptroller Oramalugo, a seasoned officer with vast experience in border management and trade facilitation, assumed duty on February 11, 2025, at the ECOWAS complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP).
The brief handing-over ceremony was attended by journalists and senior officers.
Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, DC Istifanus D. Musa, who had been overseeing the Command since the former Area Controller’s retirement, formally welcomed Comptroller Oramalugo and assured him of the officers’ full support and cooperation.
Commitment to Effective Border Operations
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Oramalugo commended the officers of the Command for their dedication.
He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, securing borders, and facilitating legitimate trade in alignment with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“I appreciate the efforts of the officers of this Command. I assure you, stakeholders, and the border community of my readiness to consolidate on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs for the seamless execution of the Service’s mandate.
I will maintain an open-door policy and urge all officers to enhance their capacities to elevate the Command to greater heights,” he stated.
He further expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs and the Management team for entrusting him with various leadership roles, including his latest appointment as the Area Controller of Seme Command.
Notable Achievements and Previous Role
Before this appointment, Comptroller Oramalugo served as the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Command, where he recorded remarkable achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
His efforts earned him notable recognitions in December 2024, including:
Strategic Community Engagement for the Year
Service Excellence Performance Award
Outstanding Controller of the Year 2024 at the CGC’s Award
With his track record of excellence, his leadership at Seme Area Command is expected to further strengthen border security and enhance trade facilitation.
