The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) held a briefing on Wednesday, where they revealed their role in facilitating 12,438 export containers with a total Free On Board (FOB) value of $518,690,852.93 between January and September 2023.
During the briefing, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) also highlighted the understaffing issues faced by shipping companies operating at the Lillypond Export Processing Terminal, which are causing delays in the clearance procedure.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, the Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, described the Command as a one-stop shop for export business. He explained the government policy in Nigeria, stating, “The current government policy in Nigeria requires zero duty payment for exports. Exporters generally do not pay export duties, except in special cases where goods that were initially imported and are being re-exported pay a 2.5 percent levy based on the current value of the goods with government permission.”
Comptroller Odusanya further provided a detailed breakdown of the exports facilitated by the Command during the year, including 6,524 20-foot containers and 5,914 40-foot containers, all with an FOB value of $518,690,852.93.
The goods exported range from agricultural produce such as cocoa, cashew, soya, ginger, hibiscus flower (zobo leaves), cotton, and sesame seeds to locally manufactured goods like cigarettes, cosmetic items, beverages, and solid minerals such as aluminum, copper, magnesium, lithium, and zinc. The Command also handles various other commodities, including foodstuff and personal effects.
Stakeholders present at the briefing expressed their satisfaction with the efficiency of Customs officers in processing documents but emphasised the need for more manpower from other government agencies stationed at the export terminal to streamline clearance processes.
Comrade Augustine Umunnakwe, the Chairman of the Lillypond Export Terminal Unit of MWUN, highlighted the need for additional government agency representatives at the terminal to enhance efficiency.
Abdulsalam Babatunde, the Head of Processing at Diamond Star Port and Terminal Limited, emphasized the collaborative efforts between the export processing terminal, shipping lines, and government agencies.
He stated, “We facilitate the processing at the Port, working closely with major shipping lines, the terminal, and government agencies like NPA, ETP, and Customs to ensure the smooth movement of goods from the terminal to the vessel, ensuring quality and quantity.”
Emmanuel Eke, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer at Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) South-West, noted that the registration process for exporters is seamlessly conducted online.
He further disclosed that the Council supports trade promotion activities and administers export incentives and export expansion grants.
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