The Nigeria Customs Service’s Lilypond Export Command has reported a surge in its export activities during the first quarter of 2023.
The command processed export goods worth N86bn, with a free onboard value of $205m between January and March 2023.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Babandede Mohammed, said that the items processed include agricultural produce such as cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, hibiscus flower, soya beans, and ginger.
He further added that other items exported were mineral resources such as lithium ore, manganese ore, and zircon sand. Manufactured goods such as instant noodles, cosmetics, cigarettes, and beverages were also exported. Within the period under review, the command processed non-oil export with a total tonnage of 118,184.96.
Despite being a new command, Lilypond export command has recorded significant achievements. It has drastically reduced the delay in export processing, making export business effective and efficient since all agencies are domiciled in one place as a one-stop shop.
The command has reduced congestion along the access roads to the port and also inside the port terminals, giving space for import containers. It has reduced the cost of export business, reduced the issue of contract cancellation, and eliminated the issue of pilfering of cargo.
Released containers can access the port within 48 hours for loading onto awaiting vessels. The command in collaboration with shipping lines has reduced the turnaround time of a vessel, which decreases the cost of shipping. Lilypond Export Command has also completely erased the issue of rejection and return of agro-produce, usually caused by delay and lack of requisite phyto-sanitary certificates.
According to Babandede Mohammed, the command has an excellent inter-agency collaboration with other government agencies, and he appreciates the Nigerian Ports Authority for coming up with the concept of Export Processing Terminals and providing all the necessary support to the command.
Lilypond Export Command’s impressive performance in Q1 2023 is a significant boost to Nigeria’s economy. The country is predominantly dependent on oil, and diversifying its economy through non-oil exports will not only increase revenue but also provide employment opportunities for its citizens.
The command’s success should serve as an inspiration to other government agencies and private businesses to invest in the non-oil export sector.
