Comptroller Odusanya led Lilypond Customs Showcases Laudable Export Feats

Odusanya led Lilypond Customs Showcases Laudable Export Feats

Comptroller TA Odusanya, CAC, Lilypond Command, NCS

With laudable commendations across board that greeted the Lilypond Export Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service which recently attained full Export Processing hub status, the command, since its establishment have been up and doing, living beyond expectations in terms of performance in the main task of handling export processes for the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

It would be recalled that, last year, 2023, the Export command disclosed that it facilitated the export of 12,438 containers to with a Free On Board (FOB) value of $518,690,852.93 between January and September 2023.

Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, the present Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command who made the disclosure described the Command as a One-Stop Shop for export business, stating that “the current government policy in Nigeria requires zero duty payment for export.

According to him, “Exporters don’t pay export duties, except on special occasions where goods that were otherwise imported and are being re-exported, they pay 2.5 percent levy on the current value of the goods with the government’s permission.

Comptroller Odusanya gave a data analysis of exports the Command has facilitated within the year from January to the end of September 2023, the Command has facilitated the export of 12,438 export containers.

The breakdown shows that the command have 6524 × 20-foot containers and 5914 × 40-foot containers with a FOB value of $518,690,852.93, while for the goods, there are agricultural produce such as cocoa, cashew, soya, ginger, hibiscus flower (zobo leaves), cotton, sesame seeds, etc., locally manufactured goods like cigarettes, cosmetic items, beverages and solid minerals such as Aluminium, copper, magnesium, lithium and Zinc. Also, there are other sundry commodities like foodstuff, personal effects and others, the CAC said.

Also in the first quarter of year 2024, the command was said to have improved in this export feat as the command despite challenges, had an exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2024.

According to Odusanya while reeling out the command performance in the first quarter said through concerted efforts and strategic measures, the Command facilitated the export of various commodities, leading to a significant surge in trade activity.

He said that during the period, the Command processed a total of 5,891 (20ft and 40ft) containers valued at $236,087,888.53, which contained diverse commodities, including agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid and extractive minerals, among others.

In the breakdown of export activities under the first quarter reviewed period, include Agricultural Produce with a total of 4,229 (20ft and 40ft) containers which were filled with agricultural produce, generating earnings amounting to USD 153,426,308.00.

He further said that the sector’s robust contribution to the national economy is highlighted by the payment of ₦916,492,465.00 to the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS).

Also, comprised in the export feat are manufactured Goods with 629 (20ft and 40ft) containers dispatched, manufactured goods significantly contributed to export revenue, totalling USD$22,289,340.77. The NESS payment to the Federal Government of Nigeria amounted to ₦112,905,501, reflecting the sector’s resilience and competitiveness in the global market.

Again, Solid and Extractive Minerals made the listas it witnessed a notable upsurge, with 753 (20ft and 40ft) containers dispatched, valued at USD$34,107,959.01, and a NESS payment of ₦224,162,113.74 which highlights the immense potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources on the international stage.

In addition, various other goods such as plants & machinery and personal effects were as well exported in 280 (20ft and 40ft) containers, contributing USD$26,264,280.07 to export revenue, recording a NESS payment of ₦135,771,439.38.

Similarly, in the Command’s second quarter performance index, the CAC recently disclosed that Customs Export at the Terminal rose significantly by 199%.

He said that its Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) increased by 199 percent increase in the second quarter of 2024.

Comptroller Odusanya who made this disclosure when he briefed the press said that NESS payments were a significant rise in 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.

He explained that the command recorded N1.2 billion in revenue in 2024 compared to N478.7 million recorded in the same period of 2023.

According to him, “In line with the fiscal policy directive of the FGN, N29.6 million 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 thousand 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 are adversely affected due to the unstable exchange rate.

“The Lilypond Export Command is thrilled to announce its sustained performance in the second quarter of 2024. Through concerted efforts and strategic measures, the Command has facilitated the export of various commodities, showcasing a remarkable surge in trade activity,” he said.

Also, he said that the command recorded this significant export of diverse commodities, which include agricultural produce, manufactured goods, solid and extractive minerals, among others, noting that a total of 2,488 20ft and 40ft containers were stuffed with agricultural produce, generating earnings amounting to $135.4 million.

He further noted that, the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) received a payment of N913.7 million underscoring the robust contribution of agricultural exports to the national economy.

“With 267 containers dispatched, manufactured goods contributed significantly to export revenue, totaling $9.5 million dollars,” he said. He added that the NESS payment to the Federal Government of Nigeria amounted to N57.23 million, reflecting the sector’s resilience and competitiveness in the global market.

“The export of solid and extractive minerals witnessed a notable upsurge, with 623 20ft and 40ft containers dispatched, valued at $34.3 million dollars. The NESS payment of N232.7 million, highlights the growing potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources on the international stage.

“Additionally, various goods such as plants & machinery, and personal effects were exported in 162 20ft and 40ft containers, contributing $5.5 million to export revenue,” he said.

Odusanya added that a NESS payment of N24.0 million was made, emphasizing the diversified nature of Nigeria’s export portfolio.

He however commended the Comptroller-General of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for harmonising with the Nigerian Ports Authority for collapsing all the export seats in Zone “A” to Lilypond Export Command, even as he also appreciated all the stakeholders and sister agency for contributing to the increase in export adding that they remain committed to ensuring seamless trade facilitation.