ZAINAB JUNAID
The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi is leveraging his expertise to build on existing foundation, enhance Officers’ development and drive Command’s growth. He is leading by example, sensitising his Officers daily on the importance of self improvement, and ensuring Lilypond Export Command remains a model of trade facilitation excellence.
During a courtesy visit by members of the Journalists Likemind Advocacy Group on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, the Area Controller explained how he brought his wealth of experience to bear to achieve the Command’s mandate, with a focus on value, volume and seamless processes.
He described how his decisions align with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD in the area of consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi fielding questions from the journalists.
While engaging the newsmen, who were on a courtesy visit to strengthen synergy with the Command, Comptroller Ariyibi acknowledged the valuable support received from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD, and his management team, crediting it for the Command’s Success.
He said, “Despite the surprise visit by the CGC recently, the Command has continued to comply with his directives in area of value, volume and seamless processes. We are building on it, and by the time we are three months, we will roll out all our achievements”.
The Area Controller highlighted the Command’s effort in tackling false declarations and trade compliance, ensuring it’s in accordance with the CGC’s reforms for greater impact.
To him, through the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) codenamed B’Odogwu, Lilypond Export Command achieved a first time feat, generating exit and gate passes, showcasing the effectiveness of the indigenous initiative.
Comptroller Ariyibi also informed that the Command has continued to engage Stakeholders and the Export Processing Terminals(EPT) on the adoption of the CGC’s initiative tools, including: Advance Ruling, Time Release Study (TRS), Authorised Economic Operator AEO, and the indigenous B’Odogwu.
“In fact, on a daily basis, I engaged my Officers in one hour lecture and they write exams too. This is to equip them more on the use of trade facilitation tools and learn how to engage the Stakeholders. We are up to the task, and will surely deliver” he said.
The Export Command’s Boss also revealed how he is fostering stronger relationships with Sister Agencies, Stakeholders, prioritising mutual cooperation and crisis management.
He is really setting the pace in crisis management as he equally informed that his Command deploys proactive measures to minimise risks and ensure stability.
“For the Customs License Clearing Agents and Bonded License Terminal, we always prepare ahead of any crisis, we take proactive method in resolving any challenges. Once there is an issue, we resolve it, respond to it, and then take recovery steps. We are always prepared for any unforeseen contingency, after that we mitigate, we always make sure we manage crisis effectively”.
Speaking on the Command’s contributions to Customs Care, a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, the Customs Area Controller Ariyibi noted that the Command is currently working on the biggest and best CSR.
“The Export Command is working on a very big project which my predecessors began in 2022, It is a citadel of learning, it is underway and very soon it will come to fruition and the Comptroller General of Customs will cocommission it,” he hinted.
He also hinted that Customs management recently supplied the Command with twenty computers, as part of effort to boost the Command’s efficiency and effectiveness.
While commending his Officers and Men for their dedication in the discharge of their duties, he urged them to continue upholding professionalism, discipline and integrity.
The Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi has been working tirelessly to make the Command, a hub for non-oil exports, ensuring efficiency, transparency and compliance.
