By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, on Monday commissioned three major infrastructure projects—a newly renovated Senior Officers Mess, a fully equipped Gym House, and a state-of-the-art Office Complex for the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA). The event, described as historic by many in attendance, marks a significant milestone in the Command’s ongoing efforts to improve welfare, professionalism, and community development.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Command headquarters in Seme, was attended by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who personally unveiled the facilities. His presence was hailed as a demonstration of his commitment to officers’ welfare and the modernization of the Service.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and highlighted the significance of the new projects. He described the occasion as more than just an unveiling of physical structures but a celebration of collective vision, hard work, and progress.
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“This is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for our officers and their families,” Dr. Oramalugo stated. “The Senior Officers Mess will serve as a space for relaxation and professional bonding, while the COWA Office Complex underscores our recognition of the vital role played by the officers’ wives in supporting the Service and enhancing family welfare.”
Dr. Oramalugo commended the officers and men of the Command for their dedication and excellence in service delivery. He revealed that between January and April 2025, the Command generated over N2.83 billion in revenue and processed more than 184,000 metric tonnes of export goods valued at over N36 billion. He also noted that the Command’s intensified anti-smuggling efforts led to significant seizures and arrests, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N800 million.
The Area Controller acknowledged the critical role of COWA in supporting customs families and implementing community-based initiatives. He assured the association that the new facility would strengthen their ability to deliver impactful programs and serve as a hub for innovation in the border community.
Dr. Oramalugo also appreciated the collaboration with sister security agencies, which he said had been instrumental in maintaining security and stability at the nation’s borders.
Paying tribute to the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Dr. Oramalugo said the projects being commissioned were a direct reflection of CGC Adeniyi’s policy focus on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation. “Your leadership has inspired us at Seme Command to aim higher and push boundaries. These projects are a result of that vision,” he said.
He concluded by urging officers to utilize the new facilities responsibly to enhance morale and service delivery. “Let the Officers Mess be a place of unity and renewed commitment, and let the COWA Complex become a centre of empowerment and community impact.”
The commissioning marks another step in the Customs Service’s broader agenda of reform and transformation, reinforcing the importance of officer welfare, community support, and operational excellence at the nation’s borders.
