Lagos, Nigeria — The Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in national security and institutional success.
Kaila made this known during a courtesy visit by executives of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) to the Command in Lagos.
“Collaboration has always been very important because without it, you cannot go far. That is what the Nigeria Customs Service believes in,” he said, stressing the need for continuous stakeholder engagement.
He noted that journalists play a vital role beyond reporting, including shaping public perception and promoting accountability.
“As a Customs officer, it is important for me to collaborate with journalists because I know the critical role they play in society… there is a need for mutual understanding and a good working relationship,” Kaila added.
The Controller commended the media for supporting the Command’s operations, revealing that intelligence from journalists contributed to recent anti-smuggling successes.
“Many of the achievements we have recorded in recent weeks were aided by intelligence supplied by some of you… we recorded successes through the interception of smuggled goods,” he said.
On concerns about multiple checkpoints along the Seme–Abidjan corridor, Kaila acknowledged the presence of some unauthorised roadblocks but described reports of dozens of checkpoints as exaggerated.
“I observed some checkpoints, but certainly not the 50 or 60 being reported… the figures being circulated are exaggerated,” he stated.
He disclosed that a monitoring committee had been set up to identify and address unauthorised checkpoints, adding that the Service is working with other security agencies to improve trade facilitation and security along the corridor.
Kaila assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to sanitise the route and warned that officers found operating illegally would be sanctioned.
“We will not allow anyone to constitute a nuisance on the road… we are actively addressing it,” he said.
In his remarks, MARCON President, Mr. Ismail Aniemu, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to maintaining a professional relationship with the Customs Service.
He noted that stronger collaboration between the media and Customs would enhance transparency, accountability, and public understanding of the Service’s operations, particularly at the strategically important Seme border.
