Customs command generates $184m in two months

The Nigeria Customs Service, Lilypond Export Command, has said that 2,488 export containers with duty paid value of $184.8m, were handled by the command between April and June 2024.

The command also said that its payment into the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme for the period under review stood at N1.2bn.

The Customs Area Comptroller in charge of the command, Mr Ajibola Odusanya, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday.

Odusanya said that NESS payments recorded a significant rise in 2024 when compared to N478.7m recorded within the same period of 2023.

According to him, in line with the fiscal policy directive of the Federal Government, N29.6m 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 N535,000 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 were adversely affected due to the unstable exchange rate’s surge in trade activities, among others,” he said.

He said that the command exported diverse commodities, including agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid and extractive minerals, among others.

“A total of 2,488 20ft and 40ft export containers were stuffed with agricultural produce, generating earnings amounting to $184.4m. Notably, NESS received a payment of N914m underscoring the robust contribution of agricultural exports to the national economy,” Odunsanya said.

Odunsanya stated that with 267 containers dispatched, manufactured goods contributed significantly to export revenue, totaling $9.5m.

 “The export of solid and extractive minerals witnessed a notable upsurge, with 623 containers of both 20 and 40-foot dispatched, valued at $34m. The NESS payment of N232m highlights the growing potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources on the international stage,” he said.

The Lilypond customs boss reiterated that various goods such as plants and machinery, and personal effects were exported in 162 20ft and 40ft containers, contributing $5.5m to the export revenue.

 Odusanya added that a NESS payment of N24m was made, emphasising the diversified nature of Nigeria’s export portfolio.

 He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for harmonising with the Nigerian Ports Authority and for collapsing all the export seats in Zone “A” to Lilypond Export Command.

Odusanya appreciated all the stakeholders and sister agencies for contributing to the increase in exports, adding that they remained committed to ensuring seamless trade facilitation.