The Nigeria Customs Service has delineated its pivotal role in facilitating the unimpeded flow of goods across national borders. With a keen focus on its indispensable contribution to the enhancement of export trade, the NCS stands resolutely at the vanguard of Nigeria’s endeavors to fortify its export-oriented economy.
In an interview conducted on Wednesday, 1st November 2023, with the NCBN correspondent, the Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, expounded upon the procedures employed by the NCS to streamline export trade. He characterized the Command as a comprehensive hub for export activities, underscoring that the prevailing government policy in Nigeria mandates the exemption of export duties.
He elaborated on this, stating, “Exporters are, in general, not subject to export duties, except under specific circumstances wherein goods originally imported are being subsequently re-exported; in such cases, a 2.5 percent levy is levied on the current value of the goods with the government’s endorsement.”
Comptroller Odusanya also provided a statistical breakdown of the export operations facilitated by the Command over the past year. He noted, “From January to the conclusion of September 2023, the Command has overseen the export of 12,438 containers, comprising 6,524 20-foot containers and 5,914 40-foot containers, collectively possessing a Free On Board (FOB) value of $518,690,852.93.”
Regarding the nature of the exported goods, he enumerated, “These exports encompass agricultural produce such as cocoa, cashew, soy, ginger, hibiscus flowers (zobo leaves), cotton, sesame seeds, alongside locally manufactured products like cigarettes, cosmetic items, and beverages. Furthermore, solid minerals like aluminum, copper, magnesium, lithium, and zinc are among the exports. Additionally, the Command handles various other sundry commodities, including foodstuffs, personal effects, and miscellaneous items.”
Stakeholders situated within the export terminal have affirmed the efficiency of Customs’ document processing but have suggested that increased staffing from other governmental agencies operating at the export terminal would expedite the clearance procedures. Comrade Augustine Umunnakwe, the Maritime Union Chairman of the Lilypond export terminal-Unit, remarked, “Customs Officers demonstrate notable efficiency in their operations; however, we encounter challenges with shipping companies due to insufficient manpower allocated to serve us. Furthermore, while government agencies fulfill their responsibilities, their representatives should be stationed here to optimize the efficiency of our operations.”
Abdulsalam Babatunde, the Head of Processing at Diamond Star Port and Terminal Limited, emphasized the existence of a robust interagency collaboration within the export processing terminal. He stated, “We oversee processing activities at the Port and have established cooperative relationships with major shipping lines, the terminal, and government agencies. We ensure that cargo departing from this terminal is seamlessly transshipped to vessels while meticulously verifying its quality and quantity. Our concerted efforts extend to agencies such as the NPA, ETP, and Customs to ensure that no goods are exported without the requisite customs clearance.”
Emmanuel Ekle, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer at the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Southwest, disclosed that the registration process for exporters is seamlessly conducted online. He further revealed that the Council actively supports trade promotion initiatives and administers export incentives and expansion grants.
