By Miriam Humbe
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a leadership transition with the assumption of duty by Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah as Acting Customs Area Controller, following the elevation of his predecessor, Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, to the rank of Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command, Superintendent of Customs, John Tunde Ayagbalo disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
The change of leadership, which took place on Wednesday, 11th November 2026, marked the conclusion of ACG Kaila’s tenure at the border command after approximately eight months of service.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Customs Area Controller described his elevation as a new phase in his career, expressing appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to serve at a higher level.
He also reflected on the achievements recorded during his tenure, highlighting the Command’s revenue performance, he disclosed that between March and October 2026, the Command generated over ₦27 billion in revenue, compared to ₦8 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025. This represents an increase of ₦19 billion, equivalent to an impressive growth of 233%.
He attributed the Command’s anti-smuggling and revenue successes during his tenure to intelligence-led operations, proper processing and timely sharing of actionable information, improved surveillance, and a collective resolve that Seme must not become a safe passage for economic saboteurs.
The now Ag Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs also expressed profound appreciation to Almighty Allah for His mercy and guidance throughout his period at Seme, and to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve in a higher capacity, while he urged officers to remain committed, disciplined, loyal, united, and to uphold integrity, discipline, accountability and professionalism.
Taking over the leadership, Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah pledged to build on the Command’s existing achievements, expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Service’s management for the confidence placed in him to lead at Seme.
The new Ag Customs Area Controller acknowledged and appreciated the remarkable leadership and contributions of his predecessor, under whose leadership the Command recorded impressive revenue growth, strengthened intelligence collaboration, intensified efforts against smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality, and reinforced an atmosphere of discipline, professionalism and operational stability.
DC Alumanah outlined his expectations and the direction of his administration, noting that Seme occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s border management architecture.
He also maintained that he is resolute on 7 key pillars, which are Revenue Collection, Facilitation of Legitimate Trade, Discipline, Integrity and Professional Conduct, Cooperation, Teamwork and Collective Responsibility, Collaboration with Stakeholders and Sister Agencies, Avoiding Unnecessary Problems on the Job, Modernization, Innovation and Global Best Practices.
The Head of Benin Customs and Co-Chair, Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Col. Mekoun Parfait, in his remarks, congratulated the outgoing Seme Customs Area Controller on his appointment as Acting Assistant Comptroller of Customs, describing his rapid elevation, less than a year after assuming duty at Seme, as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his competence, experience and professionalism.
The event climaxed with an expression of appreciation from the outgoing Controller for the support accorded him during his tenure, while the incoming Acting Customs Area Controller, in his inaugural address, reaffirmed his commitment to sustain and consolidate on the gains recorded, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and steer the Command towards greater operational efficiency anchored on discipline, teamwork, professionalism and improved service delivery.
