The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it processed a total of 5,891 containers of export goods valued at $236million in the first quarter of 2024.
Controller of the command, Comptroller Ajibola Odunsanya disclosed this at a media briefing on the activities of the command in Lagos on Tuesday.
He said the items exported comprise diverse commodities such as agricultural produce, manufactured goods, solid and extractive minerals, among others.
Giving a breakdown of export activities within the review period, the CAC said a total of 4,229 containers filled with agricultural produce generate earnings amounting to USD$153.4million.
He noted that the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) received a payment of N916. 4million underscoring the robust contribution of agricultural exports to the national economy
He said the command processed 629 containers of manufactured goods which contributed significantly to export revenue, totaling USD$22.3million.
The NESS payment to the Federal government amounted to N112. 9million reflecting the sector’s resilience and competitiveness in the global market.
According to him, the export of solid and extractive minerals witnessed a notable upsurge, with 753 containers dispatched, valued at USD$34.1million and NESS payment of N224.1million highlighting the immense potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources on the international stage.
The Customs boss added that various goods such as plants & machinery, and personal effects were exported in 280 containers, contributing USD$26.2million to export revenue.
A NESS payment of ₦135,771,439.38 was made, emphasizing the diversified nature of Nigeria’s export portfolio.
“A comparative analysis reveals a substantial growth trajectory in Q1 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Total containers processed in 2024 Q1 surged by 44% to reach 5,891(20ft and 40ft) containers as against 3,784 (20ft and 40ft) containers processed in 2023 Q1, signifying heightened trade activity at the Command. Export commodities’ value also surged by 42% to USD$236,087,888.00 as against $154,459,566.39 recorded in 2023 Q1, underlining the sustained momentum in export performance.
“NESS payment witnessed an impressive 114% increase, reaching ₦1,389,331,520.15 from ₦378,268,430.57 received in 2023 Q1, indicative of enhanced revenue generation and compliance. Surcharge payment for plants & machinery, and imported goods doubled from NGN 8,785,188.00 in 2023 Q1 to NGN 18,218,964.00 in 2024 Q1 representing a 70% difference, aligning with fiscal policy directives, “he said.
In the area of stakeholder’s engagement, Comptroller Odunsanya said the Command has maintained its open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
“The Lilypond Export Command, as the lead agency in the drive for export trade facilitation has consistently collaborated with all relevant agencies such as the NPA, NAFDAC, NDLEA, QUARANTINE, DSS, NPF, Department of Forestry and the Federal Produce Inspection Service. Exporters and their agents have continuously appraised the concept of joint examinations and how it helps reduce cargo clearance time, ” he said.
The CAC expressed appreciation to stakeholders including the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Shippers Council for their collaborative efforts and synergy.
He assured that the Command will continue to leverage on contributions and cooperations from its stakeholders to ensure efficient service delivery to the nation.
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