Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, PhD, the Customs Area Controller of the Seme Area Command, was a keynote speaker at the 5th Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference (RUIMUN), held from March 3 to 6, 2025. The conference, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” served as a platform for discussions on global development, nation-building, and security.
Speaking at the event, Oramalugo highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in driving national development. He underscored the agency’s responsibilities in trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and national security. Stressing the importance of integrity and patriotism, he warned of the devastating economic and social impact of smuggling.
The Comptroller emphasized the need for Nigerians to support local industries, using the country’s rice production sector as an example. He noted that while Nigeria is a major producer of rice, the challenge lies in local patronage. “When we fail to buy local rice, we kill our factories,” he stated. He also warned about the dangers of smuggled goods such as counterfeit drugs, second-hand clothing, and used tyres, which pose serious health and safety risks.
Oramalugo further explained the three core mandates of the NCS: trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations. He highlighted the service’s efforts to simplify customs processes to enhance legitimate trade, noting that the NCS contributed over ₦6 trillion to national revenue in the past year. He also reiterated the agency’s role in preventing the entry of prohibited goods and collaborating with security agencies to protect Nigeria’s borders.
The Customs chief also spoke on global best practices, referencing the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions aimed at enhancing customs integrity, harmonizing procedures, and tackling illicit trade.
During an interview at the event, Oramalugo commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing him as *”the best CGC in Africa.”* He lauded Adeniyi’s numerous achievements, including the *Outstanding Revenue Collection* award from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and *The Sun Newspaper’s Best Public Servant of the Year* award.
Expressing his gratitude to Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders, Oramalugo reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to fostering economic growth and national security. The event reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable development and securing Nigeria’s economic future.