Photo caption: Comptroller-General, NCS, Bashir Adeniyi
The Nigeria Customs Service has said that the Badagry-Seme corridor accounted for 35 per cent of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in the last two weeks.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this while showcasing some seized volumes of petrol at the Customs Training College in Ikeja on Monday.
He said a comprehensive analysis of the pattern of seizures across the axis reveals significant insights into the dynamic smuggling tactics and dominant routes being exploited by these saboteurs.
“The first corridor is the Badagry-Seme corridor, which accounts for approximately 35 per cent of the total seizures,” Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi said the axis remains the primary smuggling route, with multiple interceptions recorded along the Badagry-Seme routes and its waterside.
He mentioned that the proximity to the Republic of Benin and the complex network of waterways in the area continue to make it a preferred route for smugglers.
“The second identified corridor is the Imeko-Afon axis in Ogun State with 25 per cent of total seizures while Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22 per cent. Owode-Ajilete route is responsible for 18 per cent,” the CGC mentioned.
Adeniyi stressed that these routes represent another emerging corridor being exploited by smugglers attempting to circumvent the traditional enforcement positions.
“The operational data reveals several emerging trends in smuggling tactics that warrant our attention,” he said.
Speaking on the seized contraband, Adeniyi highlighted that following an intelligence-driven operation between January 11 and February 23, 2025, the officers successfully intercepted and seized “28,300 litres of petrol being diverted through various concealment methods and smuggling techniques. The duty paid value of these seizures is N35.8m.”
He said three vehicles used were seized as a means of conveyance. The CGC mentioned that the steady momentum of Operation Whirlwind is further demonstrated by the commendable performance recorded in the southwest geopolitical zone.
In another development, the service held the pre-launch of its ‘B’Odogwu’ trade facilitation tool in Apapa and Tincan Island commands to boost trade.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Apapa, Lagos, during a stakeholders’ engagement, Adeniyi said stakeholders supported the platform to work efficiently.
B’Odogwu is an indigenous trade facilitation platform developed by the NCS to replace the existing Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System II. The initiative is expected to modernise customs operations, improve efficiency in trade documentation, and enhance revenue collection.
Adeniyi said the pre-launch was done after the success of its pilot phase at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited Command earlier this year.
The CGC mentioned that the platform replaces the old system “with a more robust and indigenous solution, taking into consideration the frustrations associated with previous customs management platforms.”
Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information Technology/Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, assured stakeholders of continuous engagement to refine the system.
She explained to the stakeholders that the NCS had carried out extensive internal testing to ensure a smooth transition.
