The Nigeria Customs Service reports that its Lilypond Export Command handled 2,488 containers with a duty-paid value of $184.8 million during the three months from April to June 2024.
The command also announced that it made payments totaling N1.2 billion to the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme during the review period.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr. Ajibola Odusanya, the Customs Area Comptroller responsible for the Lilypond Export Command, revealed this information.
Odusanya said that NESS payments recorded a significant rise in 2024 when compared to N478.7m recorded within the same period of 2023.
According to him, in line with the fiscal policy directive of the Federal Government, N29.6m was generated as a surcharge on the export of previously imported goods and other machinery as approved by the Federal Ministry of Finance in 2024, while N535,000 was generated in 2023.
“As we all know, the year 2024 is facing numerous challenges, and Nigeria is not exempted. Important sectors of the economy were adversely affected due to the unstable exchange rate’s surge in trade activities, among others,” he said.
He said that the command exported diverse commodities, including agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid and extractive minerals, among others.
“A total of 2,488 20ft and 40ft export containers were stuffed with agricultural produce, generating earnings amounting to $184.4m. Notably, NESS received a payment of N914m underscoring the robust contribution of agricultural exports to the national economy,” Odunsanya said.
Odunsanya stated that with 267 containers dispatched, manufactured goods contributed significantly to export revenue, totaling $9.5m.
“The export of solid and extractive minerals witnessed a notable upsurge, with 623 containers of both 20 and 40-foot dispatched, valued at $34m. The NESS payment of N232m highlights the growing potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources on the international stage,” he said.
The Lilypond customs boss reiterated that various goods such as plants and machinery, and personal effects were exported in 162 20ft and 40ft containers, contributing $5.5m to the export revenue.
Odusanya added that a NESS payment of N24m was made, emphasising the diversified nature of Nigeria’s export portfolio.
He praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his team for their collaborative approach with the Nigerian Ports Authority, resulting in the consolidation of export operations in Zone ‘A’ at the Lilypond Export Command.
Mr. Odusanya expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and sister agencies for their role in boosting export volumes, and reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a smooth and efficient trade facilitation process.
