Exceptional Performance : Customs at Lilypond hits N86.4bn exports

Exceptional Performance :
Customs at Lilypond hits N86.4bn exports

…As Compt Babandede facilitates 118,184.96 metric tons of exports in 2023 first quarter

The Lilypond Export Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has recorded exceptional performance, as the Command facilitated export trade worth over N86.4billion in the first quarter of 2023.

Addressing Journalists during a press conference today, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Compt. BABANDEDE MOHAMMED, explained that the Command processed non-oil export with a total tonnage of 118,184.96 From January to March, 2023.

He revealed : “Available trade statistics showed that the Command processed export goods worth N86,426,279,070.59 billion, which is equivalent to Free on-Board (FOB) value of  $204,656,119.04.”

He added : “The items processed included agricultural produce like Cocoa Beans, Cashew Nuts, Sesame seeds, Hibiscus flower, Soya beans and Ginger.

“Other items exported are mineral resources; such as Lithium Ore, Manganese Ore and Zircon Sand, to mention but a few. Manufactured goods, as well as Instant Noodles, Cosmetics and Beverages.”

His assertions :  “The Service in collaboration with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), approved establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), with the mandate to undertake stuffing, examination and document processing for non-oil export cargos accessing Lagos Ports by road, rail and barges.

“This establishment is geared towards
fast-tracking export businesses for quick turnover; ensuring proper documentation and repatriation of export proceeds back to the country; to decongest the ports and all the roads leading to the ports.”

The CAC informed :  “To achieve this, Lilypond Export Command was created and commissioned on November 1, 2022.”

His words :  “Lilypond, despite being a new Command has recorded some achievements. It has drastically reduced delay in export processing.
It makes the business of export effective and efficient since all agencies are domiciled in one place, as a one-stop- shop. It has reduced congestion along port access roads to the port and also inside the port terminals, giving space for import containers.

” It has reduced cost of export business. It has reduced contract cancellation. The issue of pilfering of cargo has been eliminated.
Released containers can access the port within 48hrs for loading on to awaiting vessel. The Command in collaboration with shipping lines reduced the turnaround time of a vessel, which decreases the cost of shipping.

“The Command has completely erased the issue of rejection and return of our Agro-produce, which was usually caused by delay and lack of requisite phytosanitary certificates”.

On inter-agency collaboration, the CAC said; “In Lilypond Export Command, we have excellent inter-agency collaboration with other government agencies. I want to appreciate the Nigerian Ports Authority for coming up with the concept of Export Processing Terminals and providing necessary support to the Command. I also want to commend the patriotic role of our sister agencies partnering with us in our quest to effectively perform our statutory functions in compliance with extant laws.

“Since the establishment of this Command, I have been meeting with various stakeholders comprising Terminal Operators, Exporters, Licensed Agents, Freight Forwarders, and Shipping Lines. May I use this medium to reassure our stakeholders that Lilypond Export Command will continue to facilitate their legitimate trade.

“On this note, I want to humbly extend my profound appreciation to CGC Hameed Ibrahim Ali, CFR and his Management team for their continuous support. I also want to commend my officers and men of the Command for their contributions to the successes achieved so far; and appeal to them to double their efforts, in order to achieve greater heights in the coming months.”

Our News inquest revealed that
Compt BABANDEDE, has been working assiduously to boost export trade, in line with government policy to diversify the economy into non-oil export sector. His hard work and operational efficiency have yielded tremendous results, as shown in the whopping sum of over N86.4billion realised within just three months.