ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Lilypond Export Command has reported an outstanding performance in the first quarter of 2024 as it processed a total of 5,891 (20ft and 40ft) containers with a shipment value of $236,087,888.53.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Chief Export Facilitator and also Customs Area Controller of the Command disclosed this on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, while briefing journalists on activities of the Command for the first quarter of year 2024.
He said through concerted efforts and strategic measures, the Command successfully facilitated export of various commodities, showcasing a remarkable surge in trade activities and these commodities comprises of diverse goods such as agricultural produce, manufactured goods, solid and extractive minerals, among others.
According to him, “the breakdown of the export activities include Agricultural Produce- A total of 4,229 (20ft and 40ft) containers were filled with agricultural produce, generating earnings amounting to USD$153,426,308.00. Notably, the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) received a payment of ₦916,492,465.00 underscoring the robust contribution of agricultural exports to the national economy.
“Manufactured Goods. With 629 (20ft and 40ft) containers dispatched, manufactured goods contributed significantly to export revenue, totaling USD$22,289,340.77. The NESS payment to the FGN amounted to ₦112,905,501 reflecting the sector’s resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
“Solid and Extractive Minerals. The export of solid and extractive minerals witnessed a notable upsurge, with 753 (20ft and 40ft) containers dispatched, valued at USD$34,107,959.01. The NESS payment of ₦224,162,113.74 highlights the immense potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources on the international stage.
“Other Goods. Additionally, various goods such as plants & machinery, and personal effects were exported in 280 (20ft and 40ft) containers, contributing USD$26,264,280.07 to export revenue. A NESS payment of ₦135,771,439.38 was made, emphasizing the diversified nature of Nigeria’s export portfolio,” he stated.
Speaking further, the Chief Export Facilitator revealed that the Command had a substantial growth trajectory in Q1 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023.
To him, “the Total containers processed in 2024 Q1 surged by 44% to reach 5,891(20ft and 40ft) containers as against 3,784 (20ft and 40ft) containers processed in 2023 Q1, signifying heightened trade activity at the Command. Export commodities’ value also surged by 42% to USD$236,087,888.00 as against $154,459,566.39 recorded in 2023 Q1, underlining the sustained momentum in export performance.”
He also explained that NESS payment witnessed an impressive 114% increase, reaching ₦1,389,331,520.15 from ₦378,268,430.57 received in 2023 Q1, which indicated an enhanced revenue generation and compliance. “Surcharge payment for plants & machinery, and imported goods doubled from NGN 8,785,188.00 in 2023 Q1 to NGN 18,218,964.00 in 2024 Q1 representing a 70% difference, aligning with fiscal policy directives.”
However, on Stakeholders engagement, Comptroller Odusanya affirmed that the Command has sustained its open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
“The Lilypond Export Command, as the lead agency in the drive for export trade facilitation has consistently collaborated with all relevant agencies such as the NPA, NAFDAC, NDLEA, QUARANTINE, DSS, NPF, Department of Forestry and the Federal Produce Inspection Service. Exporters and their agents have continuously appraised the concept of joint examinations and how it helps reduce cargo clearance time,” he disclosed.
