Comptroller Oramalugo Delivers Lecture on Customs Role in National Development
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, the Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, recently spoke at the 5th session of the Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference (RUIMUN) held from March 3-6, 2025. The conference, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” provided a platform for insightful discussions on global development and nation-building.
Comptroller Oramalugo emphasized the crucial role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in national development, highlighting key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling and national security, global standards and best practices.
He also stressed the importance of integrity, patriotism, and the detrimental effects of smuggling on the economy and society, warning about the dangers of smuggled fake drugs, second-hand clothing, used tires, and other un-customs goods that pose severe health and safety risks.
Speaking on the key Insights from his speech, he said, “Economic Impact of Smuggling: Comptroller Oramalugo stressed the need to support local industries, citing Nigeria’s status as a leading rice producer yet facing challenges in local patronage. “When we fail to buy local rice, we kill our factories,”.
On the Role of Customs in Nation-Building, he outlined the following;
Trade Facilitation: Simplifying customs processes to enhance legitimate trade and economic growth.
Revenue Generation: Contributing significantly to national revenue, with the NCS generating over ₦6 trillion last year.
Anti-smuggling And National Security: Preventing the entry of prohibited and harmful goods while collaborating with other agencies to safeguard the nation.
Global Standards and Best Practices: referenced the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions, emphasizing their role in enhancing customs integrity, harmonizing procedures, and combating illicit activities.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, praised the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing him as “the best CGC in Africa” during an interview at the event. He commended Adeniyi’s numerous achievements and recognition, including the “Outstanding Revenue Collection” Award by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Sun Newspaper’s “Best Public Servant of the Year” award. Oramalugo expressed gratitude to Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders and enlighten them on the Nigeria Customs Service’s vital contributions to national progress.
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