In a troubling revelation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has identified the Badagry-Seme corridor as the dominant route for fuel smuggling, accounting for a staggering 35% of illicit petrol movement in the past two weeks alone.
Customs Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this on Monday at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, where officers displayed large volumes of confiscated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He painted a stark picture of the ever-evolving tactics used by smugglers, underscoring the need for more strategic interventions.
Badagry-Seme: The Nerve Center of Fuel Smuggling
“An in-depth review of our recent seizures shows that the Badagry-Seme axis remains the most exploited smuggling corridor,” Adeniyi stated, emphasizing that multiple interceptions had been made along its roads and waterways.
Situated near the Republic of Benin, the region’s intricate web of waterways provides an ideal escape route for smugglers. “This geographical advantage makes it a preferred choice for those intent on circumventing regulatory checks,” he explained.
Other Smuggling Hotspots
While the Badagry-Seme corridor takes the lead, other routes are not far behind. Adeniyi broke down recent interception data, revealing that:
- Imeko-Afon (Ogun State) accounts for 25% of smuggled fuel.
- Ilaro-Ojodan contributes 22%, proving to be another critical channel.
- Owode-Ajilete trails closely with 18%, marking an emerging frontier for illicit fuel movement.
“These statistics highlight the shifting dynamics of smuggling,” Adeniyi noted. “Smugglers are now exploiting newer corridors in an attempt to evade traditional enforcement zones.”
Customs Crackdown Yields Significant Seizures
Between January 11 and February 23, 2025, Customs officers executed intelligence-led operations that disrupted smuggling activities across these corridors. The result? A major haul of 28,300 liters of petrol, was hidden through various concealment methods. The seized fuel carries a duty-paid value of N35.8 million, further emphasizing the scale of economic sabotage being perpetrated.
Additionally, three vehicles used for transportation were confiscated. Adeniyi commended the efficiency of Operation Whirlwind, a Customs-led initiative that continues to gain momentum in the southwest region.
Modernizing Trade: The ‘B’Odogwu’ Initiative Takes Shape
Beyond enforcement, the NCS is also refining its approach to trade facilitation. In another development, Adeniyi led a pre-launch event for the agency’s new indigenous trade platform, B’Odogwu, at Apapa and Tincan Island Customs Commands.
Developed as a replacement for the Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System II (NICIS II), B’Odogwu is designed to streamline customs operations, enhance documentation efficiency, and boost revenue collection.
“The old system presented numerous challenges,” Adeniyi admitted. “This new platform is tailored to address those inefficiencies, providing a more seamless and indigenous solution for trade stakeholders.”
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (IT/Modernization), Kikelomo Adeola, assured traders and stakeholders of continuous engagement to ensure a smooth transition. She emphasized that extensive internal testing had been carried out to guarantee a hitch-free rollout.
Final Thoughts
With fuel smuggling thriving in strategic corridors, the NCS remains on high alert, intensifying crackdowns while also modernizing its trade processes. Whether through intelligence-led enforcement or innovative digital transformation, one thing is clear Nigeria’s Customs Service is refining its arsenal to tackle economic sabotage on all fronts.
