The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour valued at N1.2billion.

This is even as the command announced that its revenue profile for the month of September 2025 stands at N1.5 billion, rising by 182 per cent compared to the sum of N531 million collected in the month of August 2025.

The Comptroller of the command, Wale Adenuga, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing on Thursday at the Seme Krake border.

Adenuga explained that the consignment, which originated from Egypt and came through the Benin Republic border, was seized in a joint operation with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)

The Controller revealed that the interception was achieved through credible intelligence shared by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and the NAFDAC Director-General, Moji Adeyeye.

Showcasing the seizures, Adenuga said the flour, which was produced in March 2024, expired in November, 2024, adding that it poses serious public health risk when consumed.

“If these things find their way into the country, they change the bag, and it goes into the markets… the health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.

“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust.

Highlighting other seizures made by the command in the month of September 2025, Adenuga explained that the command also intercepted 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa through actionable intelligence.

He further explained that the command also arrested two suspects with 120 packs of tramadol (120mg).

“Other seized items include: 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each). 150 bales of second-hand clothing. 169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine. 5 used vehicles

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stands at N1.999 billion only. These results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare.

“Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs” he added.

Speaking on the command’s revenue performance and strides in trade facilitation, Adenuga said a total of N1.5 billion was generated in the month of September 2025 alone.

The figure, he said, represents an exceptional increase of over 182% compared to the N531.4 million generated in August 2025, the month before his assumption of duty.

“This outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the Comptroller General’s reform agenda, which emphasizes compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of goods, as well as dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service,” he said.

In alignment with the federal government’s economic diversification drive, Adenuga said the command facilitated the export of 53,989.46 metric tons of non-oil goods, including agricultural produce and manufactured items, with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N7,969,376,188.78.

He said the total Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee stood at N38.9 million.

The Customs boss also commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry for its support in the fight against smuggling, and handing over seized foreign parboiled rice intercepted on the waterways. (Daily Trust)