The new Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Deputy Comptroller N. Olisa Alumanah, has pledged to strengthen revenue accountability, intelligence-led enforcement and trade facilitation, warning officers against misconduct and practices that could undermine legitimate businesses.Buy Maps
Alumanah made the commitment on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during the handover ceremony at the ECOWAS Conference Hall, where he assumed leadership from outgoing Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila.
The new controller said his administration would prioritise the collection of government revenue, suppression of smuggling, operational discipline, modernisation and stronger cooperation with security agencies and other stakeholders.
His priorities place renewed attention on the challenge of managing the Seme border corridor, where Customs operations must balance the enforcement of import and export regulations with the movement of legitimate goods and commercial activities.
Alumanah warns against revenue leakages, trade obstruction
Addressing officers and stakeholders at the ceremony, Alumanah said the command must improve its contribution to Federal Government revenue through diligent collection, the prevention of leakages and strict compliance with customs regulations.
He identified undervaluation, deliberate violations of export regulations and other practices that undermine revenue collection as areas requiring sustained attention.
He warned that deliberate misconduct and compromise would not be tolerated.
However, he said revenue generation must not come at the expense of legitimate trade, stressing that Customs officers must facilitate lawful business activities without compromising national security.
“Our objective must be to enforce compliance without unnecessary obstruction and trade facilitation without compromising national security or revenue,” he said.
Alumanah also cautioned officers against unnecessary delays, intimidation, unauthorised demands and other conduct capable of discouraging traders and business operators.
He said the command must recognise that its responsibility extends beyond revenue collection and enforcement to facilitating economic activities and contributing to national prosperity.
The new controller’s position highlights an important question for border businesses: whether stronger enforcement can be achieved alongside more predictable and efficient cargo clearance procedures.
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New controller demands discipline and accountability
Alumanah also placed considerable emphasis on professional conduct, saying officers must respect established procedures, observe the chain of command and discharge their responsibilities with integrity.
He maintained that rank, position and personal relationships would not exempt anyone from accountability.
According to him, the administration would promote fairness and equal treatment among personnel while demanding discipline, measurable results and responsible conduct.
He urged officers to avoid unnecessary confrontations with stakeholders, document their official activities properly and seek clarification whenever instructions or operational decisions were unclear.
“I will always stand by officers who perform their duties honestly and professionally,” he said, adding that he would not shield anyone involved in unlawful conduct.
He further called on personnel to embrace modernisation, technology and continuous professional development to improve revenue collection, risk management, enforcement and service delivery.
Kaila credits inter-agency cooperation for operational gains
In his farewell address, outgoing ACG Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila attributed the achievements recorded during his tenure to teamwork, intelligence gathering, effective supervision and cooperation among government institutions operating at the Seme border.
He acknowledged the support of officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among other agencies.Buy Maps
Kaila said the command’s operational effectiveness depended on the ability of different institutions to work together, share intelligence and coordinate their responses to threats.
He stressed that successful border enforcement did not begin only when prohibited goods were intercepted but also involved identifying potential threats, analysing information and sharing actionable intelligence before criminal activities occurred.
He described inter-agency collaboration as a structural requirement for effective border administration rather than merely an administrative arrangement.
“Criminal activities will not operate within the boundaries of institutional responsibilities. Therefore, our response must be coordinated through active intelligence sharing and operational cooperation,” he said.
Kaila also urged officers to maintain integrity, discipline, accountability and professionalism, warning that personal differences must not undermine the collective objectives of the command.
“A command divided by personal differences cannot achieve its full potential,” he said.
NAFDAC recalls interception of prohibited fertiliser
The importance of cooperation among border agencies also featured in goodwill messages delivered during the ceremony.
Nurudeen Abdul, Assistant Director of NAFDAC at Seme, commended Kaila for bringing sister agencies together and promoting collaboration among institutions operating within the border community.
Abdul recalled an incident involving the importation of fertiliser which he said was prohibited from entering Nigeria.Buy Maps
He said the consignment was flagged through collaboration with the outgoing Area Controller, describing the intervention as an example of what coordinated enforcement could achieve.
He appreciated Kaila for his contributions and wished him success in his new assignment.
Abdul also urged Alumanah to sustain the cooperation established among the agencies and maintain the working relationships that supported enforcement activities at the border.
Similarly, Stephen Oyinlola, the new Head of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Seme, praised Kaila’s leadership and contributions to the command.
Oyinlola highlighted the importance of leadership that develops others, noting that leadership was not about being the best but about making others better.
His remarks reinforced the emphasis on institutional cooperation and continuity as the command moves under new leadership.
Revenue performance raises expectations for new administration
The leadership transition comes after a period of improved revenue performance reported by the Seme Area Command.
In May 2026, the command reported generating approximately ₦9.79 billion between March and May, representing a 448 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025.
By August 2026, it had announced that revenue collection between January and July stood at ₦19.84 billion, exceeding the ₦15.94 billion recorded for the whole of 2025.
The figures provide a performance benchmark for the new administration, particularly as Alumanah has identified revenue accountability and the prevention of leakages among his priorities.
However, revenue performance alone will not determine the effectiveness of the new leadership. The command’s ability to enforce customs regulations while improving the experience of legitimate traders will also be important.
In October 2026, the NCS announced the operationalisation of a Simplified Declaration for Passenger Baggage Import system at Seme, aimed at reducing baggage clearance time to less than five minutes through digital declarations and standardised assessments.
Sustaining improvements in clearance procedures while preventing smuggling and other prohibited activities will remain part of the command’s broader responsibilities.
Kaila urges stakeholders to sustain cooperation
Beyond the security agencies, Kaila acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, traders, transport operators, licensed customs agents and business associations within the border community.
He said their cooperation and understanding had helped the command manage the complexities of border administration and maintain constructive relationships with local stakeholders.
He urged them to extend the same support to Alumanah, noting that border communities could contribute to economic opportunities, improved security and a more stable operating environment when they worked with government institutions.
Kaila also encouraged the incoming controller to consolidate existing initiatives, strengthen partnerships and maintain the values of professionalism and service.
He expressed appreciation to the officers and stakeholders who supported him throughout his tenure, adding that the relationships established at Seme would remain an important part of his professional experience.
He also apologised to anyone he might have unintentionally offended during his time in the command, saying his decisions had been guided by the responsibilities entrusted to him.
Alumanah promises continuity with improved performance
In his concluding remarks, Alumanah acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor and said he intended to build on the operational structures and relationships already established.
He called on officers to work together, embrace innovation and place the interests of the service above personal considerations.
He also assured stakeholders that his administration would remain open to genuine concerns while maintaining compliance with the law.
“I have not come here to war against anyone. I have come to work with you,” he said.
He summarised his leadership philosophy as a commitment to hard work, adaptability, discipline and measurable results.
“You are here to lead, not to intimidate. To support, not to discourage, and to deliver results, not to negotiate standards,” he told officers.
For the Seme Area Command, the immediate task is to translate these commitments into measurable improvements in border security, revenue collection, operational accountability and legitimate trade facilitation.
As Kaila moves on to his new assignment and Alumanah assumes responsibility, the sustainability of inter-agency cooperation and the command’s ability to balance enforcement with commercial activity will be important indicators of the transition’s success.
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BusinessOndo’s Oil Wealth: Aiyedatiwa Pushes for More Benefits for Host CommunitiesPublished 6 hours ago on November 11, 2026By Titilayo Olamide
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called for greater investment in oil exploration and production, saying the development of the state’s petroleum resources must translate into jobs, better infrastructure and improved living conditions for communities hosting oil operations.
The governor said Ondo, which ranks fifth among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, was seeking stronger partnerships with industry operators to expand exploration, increase production and improve the economic benefits of its natural resources.
Aiyedatiwa made the appeal on Monday, November 9, at the 44th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.Buy Maps
His remarks placed emphasis on the need to ensure that oil-producing communities benefit more directly from petroleum activities, beyond government revenue and production figures.
Beyond oil production figures
The governor argued that the value of natural resources should be measured not only by production volumes, export earnings and government revenues but also by their impact on people’s lives.
“The true value of natural resources must transcend production statistics, export earnings and government revenues,” he said.
He added that “the ultimate justification for resource exploitation lies in its capacity to transform lives, empower communities and create enduring shared prosperity”.
Aiyedatiwa identified infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods as priority areas for development interventions in Ondo’s oil-producing communities.
He also described host communities as essential partners in petroleum development, insisting that they should have equitable access to opportunities and a meaningful stake in the benefits generated by oil operations.
However, the governor did not provide specific funding commitments, project timelines or measurable targets for delivering the proposed interventions at the conference.
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Investment drive and security assurances
Beyond community development, Aiyedatiwa urged oil and gas investors to explore opportunities in Ondo, assuring them of a conducive and secure operating environment.
“Ondo State is one of the safest states in Nigeria, one of the most secure states in Nigeria for investment,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to attracting strategic investments, strengthening institutional collaboration and establishing partnerships with industry operators.
The governor also called for responsible upstream operations, improved geological intelligence and the adoption of new technologies to increase production.
For Ondo, attracting new investment could create opportunities across exploration, oilfield services, engineering, logistics and other parts of the petroleum value chain.
But the extent of these benefits will depend on the level of investment secured, the development of local capacity and how effectively opportunities reach businesses and residents in oil-producing communities.
Nigeria’s oil and gas ambitions
The investment appeal comes amid renewed calls for Nigeria to strengthen its position in the global energy market through increased exploration, improved production and greater use of technology.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, urged industry stakeholders to support increased investment, collaboration and sustainable oil production.
He also emphasised the importance of practical engineering training, university support and manpower development, saying skilled professionals were essential to sustainable exploration.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed that Nigeria’s natural gas reserves stood at 215 trillion cubic feet as of January 1, 2026.
Represented by the ministry’s Director, Elisha Benjamin, Ekpo said the reserves offered Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen its position as a global gas supplier.
He identified investment in exploration, particularly non-associated gas, advanced seismic imaging and artificial intelligence as important to unlocking the country’s gas potential.
Local expertise seen as key to exploration growth
The conference also highlighted the importance of developing Nigerian professionals and indigenous companies capable of handling increasingly complex exploration activities.
NAPE President, Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, said discovering new oil reserves depended on geological expertise, investment, technology and human capacity development.
She called for a shift in local content development from participation to technical capability, arguing that Nigerian professionals and businesses should be equipped to manage more complex operational and commercial responsibilities.
“If we are to unlock Nigeria’s next generation of barrels, we must also unlock the potential of our people,” she said.
Ajayi, who is also Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of West African Exploration and Production Company, stressed the need for greater investment in indigenous expertise.
Similarly, the Country Manager of LMK-Halliburton Nigeria and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Anthony Ofoma, urged petroleum professionals to embrace technological innovation, continuous learning and collaboration.
In a lecture, Special Adviser to the President on Energy (Oil and Gas), Olu A. Verheijen, also called for the removal of barriers limiting Nigeria’s progress in the energy sector.
The challenge for oil-producing communities
Aiyedatiwa’s appeal comes at a time when oil-producing states face the challenge of attracting investment while ensuring that petroleum development delivers tangible benefits to their populations.
For Ondo, the key test will be whether renewed exploration and production activities can create sustainable employment, strengthen local businesses and improve public infrastructure in communities affected by oil operations.
The governor urged conference participants to develop practical recommendations and partnerships that would stimulate investment, expand indigenous participation and increase production.
The conference was themed, “Unlocking More Barrels: Driving Reserves Growth Through Exploration, Local Capability and Adaptive Technology”.
Whether the discussions will translate into new investments and measurable improvements in host communities remains a key issue to watch.
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Continue ReadingBusinessFidelity Bank Targets SME Financing Gap With Intervention Loans at 10–16% InterestPublished 23 hours ago on November 10, 2026By Titilayo OlamideR: Regional Bank Head, Abuja III, Martin Ayodele; Divisional Head, SME Banking, Ugochi Osinigwe; Executive Director, North Directorate, Sufiyanu Garba; and Regional Bank Head, Abuja, Vanessa Mordi (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); at the Fidelity Bank SME Quarterly Business Forum, held in Abuja recently.
Fidelity Bank Plc says eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can access intervention financing at interest rates ranging from 10 to 16 per cent through partnerships with on-lending institutions, as businesses continue to face funding challenges.
The bank disclosed this at its quarterly SME Business Forum in Abuja, where it outlined financing options and business support measures aimed at helping entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and compete in the Nigerian market.
The announcement comes as access to affordable credit remains an important concern for small businesses, particularly those seeking funds to expand operations, purchase equipment or manage day-to-day expenses.
How the intervention financing will work
Speaking at the forum, Executive Director, North Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, Sufiyanu Garba, said the bank was collaborating with on-lending institutions to facilitate access to intervention funds at interest rates between 10 and 16 per cent, depending on the applicable scheme.
He said the arrangement was intended to reduce financing pressures on businesses, particularly women-owned enterprises, youth-led businesses and companies operating in green sectors.
“Access to affordable finance remains critical to SME growth. At Fidelity Bank, we are working with intervention funding partners to provide eligible businesses with financing at significantly reduced interest rates. Our goal is to ensure that promising businesses have the financial support they need to grow sustainably,” Garba said.
The bank also listed working capital facilities, overdrafts, term loans, asset and equipment financing, trade finance and structured lending among its financing options.
However, the bank did not disclose the names of the intervention funding partners, the total amount available under the arrangement or the specific eligibility requirements for prospective beneficiaries at the forum.
These details would help businesses determine whether the financing is accessible to them and what conditions they must meet to benefit.
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Why business management matters for access to credit
Beyond financing, Garba urged entrepreneurs to improve their financial management practices, maintain reliable business records and adopt technology to strengthen their operations.
He noted that strong sales figures alone do not necessarily translate into profitability or healthy cash flow.
“A business may record strong sales and still struggle with cash flow. Sustainable growth requires business owners to understand what drives profitability, manage costs and working capital effectively, keep reliable records and use technology to make better decisions. These are the disciplines that position businesses to access finance, pursue larger opportunities and compete successfully,” he said.
His remarks highlight the importance of financial accountability in determining whether businesses can manage borrowed funds and sustain growth.
For small business owners, proper bookkeeping, cost management and cash-flow monitoring can also help demonstrate their financial position when applying for credit.
Entrepreneurs seek clarity on taxes, customs procedures
The Abuja forum also provided an opportunity for business owners to raise concerns about taxation, customs procedures, importation, exportation and other regulatory issues affecting their operations.
Secretary of the Iron Dealers Association, Mararaba, Okwuchukwu Okolo, said the engagement helped entrepreneurs obtain clarification on multiple taxation and customs-related matters.
“The Fidelity Bank SME Business Forum provided useful clarification on multiple taxation and customs procedures. It is encouraging to have a platform where business owners can raise concerns, receive practical guidance and better understand their regulatory obligations,” Okolo said.
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of Febesth Global Resources Limited, Abuja, Folake Olufemi, said the forum provided useful information on importation procedures and channels for resolving customs-related complaints.
“I gained valuable insights into importation procedures and the appropriate channels for resolving customs-related complaints. The forum also created opportunities to network and engage directly with the bank on challenges affecting our businesses,” she said.
The engagements are particularly relevant to businesses involved in trading and importation, which must navigate customs requirements alongside other operating costs.
What businesses need to know
Fidelity Bank described the Abuja meeting as part of its quarterly SME Business Forum, which has also held in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.
The initiative is intended to connect entrepreneurs with financing opportunities, business advisory services, capacity-building programmes and relevant industry stakeholders.
For businesses interested in the intervention financing, the interest rates alone may not determine accessibility. Eligibility conditions, repayment periods, collateral requirements, application procedures and the amount available under each scheme will also be important considerations.
Fidelity Bank’s disclosure did not provide these specific details, leaving prospective applicants to seek further clarification from the institution.
The bank says its broader SME support programme is designed to strengthen business resilience and improve access to finance, knowledge and market opportunities.
Fidelity Bank serves more than 10 million customers through digital banking channels and 255 business offices in Nigeria, as well as its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
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Continue ReadingBusinessNigeria Customs Strengthens Anti-money Laundering Operations Through Digital DeclarationsPublished 2 days ago on November 9, 2026By Titilayo Olamide
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is strengthening its capacity to monitor suspicious financial activities linked to international trade, as it steps up collaboration with financial intelligence and security agencies to tackle money laundering and illicit cross-border transactions.
The initiative includes a World Customs Organisation (WCO) mentoring programme and the introduction of an electronic currency declaration platform, which the Service says will improve transparency and help detect illicit financial flows.
The development comes as Customs reports that it generated more than ₦1.42 trillion in revenue and processed nearly 100,000 goods declarations between September and October 2026.
The figures were presented by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, at a joint security briefing organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on November 5.
Customs turns attention to financial crime linked to trade
A major part of the Service’s latest anti-money laundering efforts is its participation in a four-week WCO Mentoring Mission designed to improve its ability to identify, investigate and address trade-based money laundering.
Trade-based money laundering involves using international trade transactions to disguise the origins or movement of illegally obtained funds. It can involve practices such as manipulating invoices, misrepresenting the value of goods or falsifying trade documents.
The Customs Service said the programme, which runs from October 18 to November 13, 2026, was inaugurated on October 19.
As part of the exercise, the Service engaged six relevant agencies between October 27 and 29.
They included the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
The engagements are intended to strengthen cooperation between institutions involved in detecting and investigating suspicious financial activities.
Electronic currency declarations take centre stage
The Service also highlighted its transition to an electronic currency declaration platform as part of efforts to improve the monitoring of money moving across Nigeria’s borders.
The platform is intended to strengthen transparency and provide a more effective system for tracking currency declarations.
Its effectiveness, however, will depend on implementation, compliance and the ability of Customs to act on information that points to suspicious transactions.
For travellers and businesses involved in legitimate cross-border transactions, clear information about declaration requirements and consistent enforcement will also be important.
₦1.42 trillion collected in two months
While financial monitoring featured prominently at the briefing, Customs also reported significant activity in trade documentation and revenue collection.
The Service processed 9,195 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) and 99,839 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) during September and October.
A breakdown showed that PAAR processing increased from 2,102 in September to 7,093 in October.
Single Goods Declarations also rose from 48,832 in September to 51,007 in October.
Revenue collection stood at ₦697.84 billion in September and ₦722.91 billion in October, bringing the two-month total to approximately ₦1.42 trillion.
Deputy Comptroller Maiwada attributed the performance to improvements in documentation, digital interventions and collaboration with stakeholders across the trade value chain.
Export figures point to higher trade value
The Service also reported an increase in export activity at the Lilypond Export Command.
Exports handled by the command were valued at $752.85 million in the third quarter of 2026, compared with $586.15 million during the corresponding period of 2025.
The difference represents an increase of approximately 28.4 per cent based on the figures supplied by Customs, although the Service’s statement put the growth rate at 22.14 per cent.
The discrepancy requires clarification from the Service.
The figures nevertheless point to a higher reported export value, although export value alone does not establish how much income Nigerian producers earned or how many jobs were created.
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Seizures exceed ₦8.1 billion
Customs also reported seizures of prohibited and restricted items with a combined Duty Paid Value exceeding ₦8.1 billion during the review period.
The interceptions covered illicit drugs, pharmaceutical products, prohibited goods and petroleum products. The Service said it continued to work with relevant regulatory and security agencies to ensure the appropriate handling and disposition of seized items.
However, the statement did not provide a breakdown of the individual seizure categories or the quantities intercepted.
Such details would help the public assess the scale of the enforcement operations and the nature of the threats identified.
Six pangolins rescued in Ogun
Beyond revenue collection and border enforcement, the Service reported rescuing six live pangolins in separate operations in Ogun State.
Three were rescued by the Ogun I Area Command, while another three were intercepted by the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A.
The animals were subsequently handed over to the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for care and rehabilitation.
The intervention was carried out in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in protected wildlife species.
The rescue operations highlight the role of Customs in preventing the illegal movement of protected animals across borders.
What the new monitoring efforts mean
The combination of financial monitoring, trade documentation and enforcement reflects the expanding responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Its role goes beyond collecting import duties and facilitating cargo clearance to include supporting efforts against illicit financial flows, prohibited trade and cross-border criminal activities.
The ongoing WCO mentoring programme is expected to strengthen the Service’s investigative capacity, while the electronic currency declaration platform is intended to improve the monitoring of financial movements.
The key test will be whether these measures translate into stronger investigations, better intelligence sharing and measurable action against those using legitimate trade channels to move illicit funds.
For now, the Customs Service has outlined its plans and reported its latest operational figures. Their longer-term impact will depend on how effectively the initiatives are implemented and sustained.
Credit :Nigeria update
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