The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has witnessed a leadership transition following the assumption of duty by Deputy Comptroller Olisa Alumanah as Acting Customs Area Controller, succeeding Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila, who was recently elevated to the rank of Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
The leadership change, which took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, marked the end of Kaila’s approximately eight-month tenure at the border Command.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing CAC expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Service for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve at a higher level.
Reflecting on his achievements, Kaila disclosed that the Command generated over ₦27 billion between March and October 2026, compared to ₦8 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. The performance represents an increase of ₦19 billion, equivalent to a 233 per cent growth in revenue.
He attributed the improvement in revenue generation and the Command’s anti-smuggling achievements to intelligence-led operations, effective processing and timely sharing of actionable information, improved surveillance, and the collective determination of officers to prevent the border from becoming a safe passage for economic saboteurs.
Kaila expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for His guidance throughout his tenure and 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.
While taking over the leadership, Deputy Comptroller Alumanah pledged to sustain and consolidate the achievements recorded by his predecessor, while expressing appreciation to the Comptroller-General and the management of the Service for the opportunity to lead the strategic border command.
He acknowledged Kaila’s contributions, particularly in revenue generation, intelligence collaboration, the fight against smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality, as well as efforts to strengthen discipline, professionalism, and operational stability within the Command.
Alumanah outlined his vision for the Command, emphasising the strategic importance of Seme in Nigeria’s border management architecture and identified seven key pillars that would guide his administration.
The pillars include 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; and modernisation, innovation, and the adoption of global best practices.
In his remarks, the Head of Benin Customs and Co-Chair of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post, Col. Mekoun Parfait, congratulated Kaila on his elevation, describing his rapid advancement, less than a year after assuming duty at Seme, as a reflection of the confidence placed in his competence, experience, and professionalism.
The event concluded with an expression of appreciation from the outgoing Controller for the support he received during his tenure, while the incoming Acting Customs Area Controller reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, sustaining the Command’s achievements, and promoting greater operational efficiency through discipline, teamwork, professionalism, and improved service delivery.
