Seme Customs Strengthens Media Partnership
The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has reaffirmed the importance of a strong partnership between the Service and the media, describing journalists as vital stakeholders in advancing national development, promoting transparency, and strengthening border security.
Kaila made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving the executive members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) during a courtesy visit to the Command.
He noted that stakeholder engagement remains a key pillar of the Nigeria Customs Service’s operations, stressing that collaboration is indispensable to achieving its statutory responsibilities.
“Collaboration is essential because no organisation can succeed in isolation. The Nigeria Customs Service places great value on stakeholder engagement, which is why we deliberately foster strong partnerships wherever we serve,” he said.
The Area Controller described journalists as strategic partners whose role extends beyond reporting events to shaping public opinion, promoting accountability, and enhancing institutional transparency.
“As a Customs officer, I recognise the significant influence of the media. Journalists have the capacity to shape public perception positively or negatively. It is therefore important that we maintain mutual understanding and a cordial working relationship that enables both parties to discharge their responsibilities effectively,” he stated.
Kaila pledged to sustain and deepen the cordial relationship between the Seme Area Command and maritime journalists, while commending the media for its continued support of the Command’s operations.
He disclosed that actionable intelligence provided by journalists and other stakeholders had contributed significantly to recent anti-smuggling operations, leading to the successful interception of several consignments of smuggled goods.
“Some of the successes we have recorded in recent weeks were made possible through credible intelligence received from members of the media. We acted promptly on the information and achieved positive results. I sincerely appreciate your support,” he said.
Addressing concerns over reports of numerous checkpoints along the Seme-Abidjan international corridor, Kaila revealed that he personally undertook an inspection of the route after media reports alleged the presence of dozens of roadblocks.
According to him, although some unauthorised checkpoints were identified, the actual number was far below the figures being widely circulated.
“After reading the reports, I decided to verify the claims myself. Together with my driver and another officer, I travelled from the Seme border through Badagry to Ijanikin. While I observed some checkpoints, they were certainly not up to the 50 or 60 being reported.
“I will not deny that there are checkpoints because the complaints did not arise without reason. However, the numbers being quoted are clearly exaggerated,” he explained.
Kaila attributed many of the illegal checkpoints to personnel operating outside the approval of their respective agencies and assured stakeholders that concrete measures were being taken to address the situation.
He disclosed that the Command had established a monitoring committee to patrol the corridor, identify officers operating at unauthorised locations, and ensure compliance with approved operational procedures.
The Seme Area Command, he added, is also collaborating with other security agencies to remove illegal roadblocks, improve coordination, and facilitate seamless movement of legitimate trade along the corridor.
“We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness. A monitoring committee has already been constituted to identify and deal with anyone operating outside authorised locations. We will not allow individuals to create unnecessary obstacles along the corridor.
“We are equally engaging our sister agencies to ensure lasting solutions. I also encourage stakeholders and members of the public to promptly report any incident that requires our attention,” he said.
Reaffirming his confidence in the media, Kaila urged journalists to continue promoting factual, balanced, and responsible reporting in the interest of national development.
Earlier, President of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Ismail Aniemu, reiterated the association’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the Seme Area Command.
Aniemu assured the Controller of the continued support of maritime journalists in projecting the Command’s activities through accurate, objective, and responsible reportage.
He observed that both the media and the Nigeria Customs Service share a common responsibility in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth and national security, noting that closer collaboration would enhance public understanding of Customs operations while promoting transparency and accountability.
Describing the Seme border as one of Nigeria’s most strategic gateways and a critical corridor for ECOWAS trade and regional integration, Aniemu expressed confidence that Comptroller Kaila’s leadership would further strengthen trade facilitation, improve border security, and enhance the ease of doing business along the international trade route.
He also wished the Controller success in his ongoing efforts to sanitise the Seme border corridor and eliminate unauthorised checkpoints that continue to impede legitimate cross-border trade.
