By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has witnessed a change of leadership as Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah takes over as Acting Customs Area Controller from Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, who has been elevated to the rank of Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
The leadership transition took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, marking the end of Kaila’s approximately eight-month tenure at the border command.
In his farewell remarks, Kaila expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management of the Service for the opportunity to serve in a higher capacity.
Reflecting on his achievements, the outgoing Controller disclosed that the Command generated over ₦27 billion in revenue between March and October 2026, compared with ₦8 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The performance represents an increase of ₦19 billion, equivalent to 233 per cent revenue growth.
He attributed the achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations to intelligence-led operations, effective processing and timely sharing of actionable information, improved surveillance and the collective determination of officers to prevent economic saboteurs from using the Seme border as a safe passage.
Kaila also urged officers and men of the Command to remain committed, disciplined, loyal and united, while upholding integrity, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Taking over, Alumanah pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor, expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him.
He commended Kaila’s leadership, noting that his tenure witnessed impressive revenue growth, stronger intelligence collaboration, intensified anti-smuggling operations and improved discipline, professionalism and operational stability.
Outlining his administration’s priorities, the new Acting Customs Area Controller identified seven key pillars to guide his leadership.
They include revenue collection; facilitation of legitimate trade; discipline, integrity and professional conduct; cooperation, teamwork and collective responsibility; collaboration with stakeholders and sister agencies; avoidance of unnecessary problems on the job; and modernisation, innovation and the adoption of global best practices.
Alumanah noted that Seme occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s border management architecture, stressing the need for effective leadership, operational efficiency and improved service delivery.
Also speaking, the Head of Benin Customs and Co-Chair of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Col. Mekoun Parfait, congratulated Kaila on his elevation to Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
He described Kaila’s 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 ended with an expression of appreciation from the outgoing Controller for the support he received during his tenure, while Alumanah reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating the Command’s achievements, strengthening inter-agency collaboration and promoting discipline, teamwork and professionalism.
