The newly deployed Comptroller of the Seme Area Command, Abdullahi Kaila, has launched his tenure with a series of familiarisation visits to key sister security agencies along the Lagos-Abidjan trade corridor.

Speaking at the 243 Recce Battalion in Ibereko, Badagry, on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, Kaila highlighted the importance of collaboration to strengthen border operations and safeguard trade.

“Seme border is a critical gateway for trade and services between Nigeria and other countries. Considering the volume of trade, movement of people, and cross-border activities, Seme is a sensitive strategic economic corridor. Continuous collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mutual support are essential,” he said.

Why It Matters

The Lagos-Abidjan corridor serves as a major economic route connecting Nigeria with West African partners. Efficient border management here directly impacts trade efficiency, local economies, and security for border communities. Kaila’s visit underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to coordinated border oversight.

“Synergy between sister security agencies ensures economic stability and the well-being of communities residing near the border,” Kaila added, urging agencies to work collectively toward shared objectives.

Sister Agencies Respond

The Commanding Officer of 243 Recce Battalion, Lt. Colonel Ambrose Ikoro, praised the longstanding cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Customs Service.

“We pledge to maintain and improve upon the cooperation we have built. Supporting the Customs Service is vital, and as a border-operating unit, our mandate is to support all relevant security agencies, including Customs,” he said.

Kaila’s visit extended to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry, the 15 Field Engineer Regiment in Topo, Badagry, and the NAFDAC Office at Seme, signaling a broad commitment to inter-agency cooperation and the reduction of trade barriers.

Industry and Community Impact

Security experts note that inter-agency collaboration at critical borders helps reduce smuggling, illegal trade, and corruption, while promoting legitimate commerce. For communities along the Seme border, improved coordination translates to safer cross-border travel and more stable economic conditions.

What’s Next

The Seme Area Command plans ongoing engagement with security partners, local communities, and trade stakeholders to monitor and streamline cross-border activities. Kaila’s tenure signals a proactive approach to balancing security imperatives with economic growth.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a three-day training programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The capacity-building workshop, which began on 31 March 2026 and runs until 2 April, focuses on Rules of Origin — a key requirement for determining which goods qualify for tariff-free trade across Africa.

Officials say the initiative is designed to improve Nigeria’s participation in intra-African trade and ensure businesses can fully benefit from the agreement.

Why it matters

AfCFTA is one of the world’s largest free trade areas, connecting 54 African countries and creating a market of over 1.3 billion people.

However, experts say many businesses struggle to benefit due to limited awareness and technical knowledge, especially around Rules of Origin.

Without proper understanding, exporters risk missing out on trade preferences or facing delays at borders.

Customs: ‘Critical to trade and competitiveness’

Declaring the programme open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the training addresses a crucial gap in trade implementation.

Represented by Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, Nafiu Isiaku, he stressed the importance of the initiative.

“The Rules of Origin constitute a very critical pillar of economic integration. Their correct interpretation and implementation are fundamental to trade preference, transparency, and competitiveness,” he said.

He added that the workshop is designed to combine theory with practical application, covering planning, execution and evaluation of trade processes.

AfCFTA coordinator: ‘From policy to real impact’

Nigeria’s National Coordinator for AfCFTA, Olusegun Olutayo, described the training as a shift from policy discussions to real economic outcomes.

“This agreement must not remain at the level of policy; it must translate into jobs, income, and real opportunities for Nigerians,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to increase awareness and equip businesses with practical knowledge to compete effectively in African markets.

Olutayo also acknowledged the role of the Presidency and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting economic reforms linked to trade.

Industry and development partners

The programme has drawn support from international partners, including the World Customs Organisation and the European Union, who are providing technical expertise.

Trade analysts say such partnerships are vital in aligning Nigeria’s systems with global standards.

They also note that improved customs processes could reduce trade bottlenecks and boost investor confidence.

What’s next

Participants have been urged to apply the knowledge gained to ensure Nigerian businesses are not excluded from AfCFTA opportunities due to lack of awareness.

If successfully implemented, the training could strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and increase exports within Africa.

Impact on businesses and economy

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), understanding Rules of Origin could mean easier access to new markets and reduced costs.

Economists say increased intra-African trade could help diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil and create jobs across manufacturing, agriculture and services.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has intercepted 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil and seized 285 sacks of mica stones valued at ₦104.7m in Ogun State.

The seizures were carried out by the Ogun I Area Command during separate intelligence-led operations in March 2026.

Officials say the crackdown is part of efforts to protect local industries, prevent illegal exports, and boost government revenue.

Crackdown on smuggled vegetable oil

The Customs Area Command said the vegetable oil seizures followed operations conducted on 19 and 24 March.

The items were intercepted amid concerns over the impact of smuggled goods on local producers.

Officials noted that removing such products from circulation helps reduce unfair competition and supports domestic manufacturing.

The latest seizures follow earlier interceptions of 2,539 kegs on 11 March 2026 and 2,090 kegs in December 2025.

“These seizures are a significant win for the Nigerian economy, protecting local manufacturers and supporting job creation.”

Illegal mineral export disrupted

In a separate operation, customs officers seized 285 sacks of mica stones weighing 50kg each.

The minerals, valued at ₦104,775,000, were formally handed over to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abeokuta.

The agency said the interception highlights ongoing efforts to stop illegal mining exports that bypass regulatory systems.

Speaking through a representative, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller OO Afeni, said:

“The Ogun I Command under my leadership remains an impenetrable wall against the illicit outflow of our national wealth.”

He added that illegal mineral trade poses risks to both national security and economic stability.

Government praises inter-agency cooperation

A representative of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Ojediran Abimbola Olubumi, commended customs officials for their vigilance.

The ministry said the seized mica would undergo geological analysis and be added to the national mineral database.

Officials say this process is part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and regulation in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Export performance shows sharp growth

The Ogun I Command also reported a significant increase in export activity for March 2026.

According to official figures:

March 2026: 277.8 metric tonnes, valued at $383,100

March 2025: 20 metric tonnes, valued at $104,600

This represents a 266% increase in export value compared to the same period last year.

Customs officials attributed the growth to improved processing systems and strengthened monitoring along the Idiroko border and surrounding waterways.

Why it matters

The seizures highlight Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with smuggling and illegal resource extraction.

Authorities say tackling these issues is key to:

Protecting local industries

Increasing government revenue

Strengthening border security

Supporting job creation

What’s next

Customs officials say surveillance along border corridors will continue to be intensified.

They also pledged to deepen collaboration with other government agencies to enforce trade and environmental laws.