The Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command is working to eliminate trade hurdles that slow the free movement of goods and services along the Lagos–Abidjan business corridor by deepening engagement with key stakeholders. The Area Controller, Comptroller Kaila, carried out a series of familiarisation visits to the palaces of traditional rulers and the headquarters of sister security agencies to underscore the Customs Service’s commitment to border efficiency and trade facilitation in line with Federal Government economic policies.
During a visit to the palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller extended his condolences to the royal family and the entire Badagry community over the passing of the late De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a respected traditional ruler among border communities. He introduced himself as the new Area Controller of Seme Command and requested the monarch’s blessing and support in delivering the service’s core mandate. He said Customs remains focused on revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling, stressing that this mandate cannot be fulfilled without the cooperation of traditional institutions.
The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Comptroller Kaila as a “son of the soil” and underscored the peaceful nature of Badagry. He pledged continued collaboration with the Customs Service in securing the border and supporting legitimate trade. He said the community was ready to partner with the command to ensure that bad actors do not exploit the corridor for smuggling or other illegal activities.
The Area Controller also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori–Kingdom, where he was hosted by Oba Israel Okoya. The monarch expressed his willingness to strengthen the relationship between the resides of border communities and the Customs Service, noting that he would always communicate with community members whenever necessary. He said the youth in his locality do not engage in illegality under normal circumstances and that he was fully ready to assist the Customs Service in discharging its government mandate.
At the palace of the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned, and well‑respected officer, as described by indigenes across the border communities. The Alapa promised all forms of support to the command in his domain and reiterated that the border in his area has remained largely peaceful because the youth listen to the elders. He expressed confidence that the Area Controller’s visible presence would further improve security and trade outcomes.
In a separate stop, the Area Controller visited the Headquarters of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base in Ahanve‑Badagry to consolidate existing harmony between Customs and the Air Force. The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, said the two agencies share similar objectives in securing the airspace and land border, and that their collaboration has been central to past successes in the area of responsibility. He welcomed the visit as a step toward reinforcing the bonds of inter‑agency cooperation and said the Air Force would continue to support the Seme Area Command.
The familiarisation tour concluded with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, where the Area Controller sought mutual cooperation in clearing obstacles that hamper the smooth movement of goods and people across the border. The visit underscored his determination to deepen regional partnerships and remove checkpoints, informal levies, and other hindrances that distort legitimate trade along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.