Comptroller Oramalugo Receives Commendation From Zone 'A' Coordinator As Command Records N3.57b In Five Months

The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone 'A'  Lagos, Assistant Comptroller General, ACG Charles Orbih has commended the Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD for his outstanding performance at the command.

The ACG, who was on a working visit to the Command, on Wednesday, 25th June 2025, lauded the leadership of Seme Area Command for initiatives such as the renovation of the COWA building, upgrading of the sports complex, and the recent commissioning of the officers’ mess. 

According to information contained in a press statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC Isah Sulaiman, the ACG 

He described these projects as symbolic of the Command’s alignment with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who has anchored the Service’s transformation agenda on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.

ACG Orbih highlighted the Zone’s impressive contributions to national revenue, noting that the Zone accounted for 79.8% of the NCS’s ₦1.3 trillion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025. He also reaffirmed the Service’s modernization journey through initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, and B’Odogwu platform, the indigenous Customs Clearance system.

He further noted that the Service’s operational strategy for 2025 is guided by Seven (7) strategic focus areas, including trade modernization, enhanced risk management, operationalization of the NCS University, strengthening International partnerships under the AfCFTA framework, implementation of a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and promotion of open governance through increased transparency framework and stakeholder engagement which, according to him are already producing commendable outcomes.

In his words, “As we move forward, the bar has been set higher for Zone ‘A’. Our previous achievements, impressive as they are, should serve as stepping stones rather than resting points. “We must leverage our strategic importance to push beyond these accomplishments, innovating and adapting to meet the evolving demands of our nation’s economy and security needs.”

While expressing confidence in the ability of Seme Command and other units under the Zone to not only sustain but surpass current achievements in service to the nation, ACG Orbih charged Officers and Men of the Command to continue upholding professionalism, integrity, and innovation, stressing that the bar has been raised for Zone A. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, who showed deep appreciation for the visit, described it as a morale booster and a reaffirmation of the ACG’s commitment to operational excellence and oversight. 

He said, “your presence today is a testament to your commitment to strengthen the operations of the Zone, ensuring that the Commands and Units deliver their mandates as enshrined in the extant laws.” 

He presented a detailed overview of the Command’s mandates and achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation and border security.

Comptroller Oramalugo disclosed that between January and May 2025, the Command generated over ₦3.57 billion in revenue and facilitated export consignments of 220,300 metric tonnes, valued at ₦47 billion Free on Board (FOB). He also highlighted anti-smuggling efforts that resulted in seizures worth ₦889 million, including the interception of expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana and corrosive mercury, which were handed over to the relevant security agencies for further investigation.

The CAC acknowledged several challenges facing the Command, such as a Seven (7) year power outage, poor road infrastructure, non-functional scanning equipment, and border porosity. 

He emphasized ongoing advocacy for infrastructural upgrades, deployment of modern surveillance tools, and deeper collaboration with sister security agencies and local communities to address these concerns.