Agro-Exports Push Seme Customs Revenue to N4.1bn in February

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga

The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a remarkable revenue surge of N4.1 billion in February 2026 alone, signaling a strong rebound in cross-border trade activity following the Federal Government’s reopening of the Seme-Krake border corridor after a prolonged seven-year shutdown.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, disclosed the figures during a stakeholders’ engagement forum with cross-border traders and farmers held in Badagry. The event was organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with ECOWAS and GIZ.
Revenue Jumps by Over 500%
According to Adenuga, the N4.1 billion revenue — achieved even before the end of February — represents a dramatic leap from the N650 million generated in February 2025. The over 500 percent increase reflects renewed commercial activity and growing confidence among traders operating along the West African trade corridor.
“For this February that has not ended, we have already generated N4.1 billion,” Adenuga said. “Last year, February 2025 revenue was only N650 million. This clearly shows that a lot is happening and people are rebuilding confidence in this border corridor.”
Industry observers note that the revenue performance highlights the economic potential of Nigeria’s land borders when trade facilitation measures are effectively implemented.
Agro-Exports and Perishables Lead Growth
A major driver of the revenue surge is the prioritization of agricultural produce and perishable exports. The Customs boss revealed that remittances from baggage assessments for perishable goods alone totaled about N15 million within one week — a substantial improvement from the N200,000 previously collected before reforms were introduced.
The renewed emphasis on agro-exports aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen non-oil exports, particularly within the ECOWAS sub-region.
With smoother processing and faster clearance timelines, exporters of farm produce are increasingly leveraging the Seme border as a viable gateway for regional trade.
Checkpoints Reduced to Improve Trade Flow
Addressing longstanding concerns about multiple roadblocks along the Seme-Badagry axis, Adenuga confirmed that checkpoints have been streamlined to only two officially approved locations — Agbara and Gbaji.
He stressed that any other checkpoint outside these points is unauthorized, noting that coordinated security patrols have replaced excessive static roadblocks. The measure, he said, has significantly reduced trade bottlenecks while enhancing security operations along the corridor.
The reforms were credited to monthly Joint Border Security Meetings involving all agencies operating at the border post, fostering improved inter-agency collaboration and compliance enforcement.
Call for Documentation and Structured Trade
While celebrating the revenue growth, the Customs Controller urged traders to prioritize proper documentation and take advantage of the Border Information Centre (BIC) established by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
He encouraged cross-border operators to form clusters and trade associations rather than operating individually, emphasizing that structured engagement enhances compliance, reduces disputes, and improves access to official guidance.
Broader Economic Implications
The Seme Command’s February performance signals more than just revenue growth; it reflects the strategic importance of reopening Nigeria’s land borders to stimulate regional trade integration and economic expansion.
With streamlined checkpoints, enhanced agro-export facilitation, stronger stakeholder engagement, and renewed security coordination, the Seme border corridor is rapidly repositioning itself as a major trade artery within West Africa.
If the current trajectory is sustained, analysts suggest the Command could surpass previous annual revenue benchmarks, contributing significantly to the national revenue drive and reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in regional commerce.
The Nigeria Customs Service Seme Command records N4.1 billion revenue in February 2026, marking a sharp rise from 2025 figures as agro-exports and streamlined checkpoints boost cross-border trade.