The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command, has intensified its efforts to foster collaboration with key stakeholders by engaging media professionals and opinion leaders in a bid to enhance national security and improve border management operations.
The strategic engagement held at the Seme border on Saturday, July 12, 2025, brought together journalists, community influencers, and representatives of various media houses for a roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening cooperation and public awareness around the Command’s operations.
Addressing the participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, emphasized the critical role of the media and opinion leaders in promoting accurate information, countering misinformation, and supporting the service’s mandate of facilitating legitimate trade and combating smuggling.
According to Comptroller Bomodi, the command remains committed to transparency, accountability, and partnership-driven enforcement, especially as Nigeria confronts evolving security challenges along its borders.
“This engagement is not just about sensitization; it is about building trust and a shared understanding of our national security responsibilities. The media is a bridge between the people and government institutions. We need your support to enlighten the public and reinforce lawful behavior,” he stated.
The Comptroller also highlighted recent operational successes by the Command, including seizures of illicit goods, anti-smuggling efforts, and improved trade facilitation through the Seme corridor. He assured stakeholders of the Command’s readiness to continually enhance its relationship with border communities and critical institutions.
Participants at the session commended the Customs Service for its openness and urged sustained communication, proactive transparency, and improved infrastructure to support officers on the frontline.
The engagement session aligns with the broader Customs modernization strategy and Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to secure its borders while facilitating economic growth and regional trade.
