The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has underlined its pivotal role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods across borders, with a significant focus on propelling Nigeria’s export economy.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, the Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, highlighted the NCS procedures and policies, defining the NCS as a crucial facilitator of export business.
“The current government policy in Nigeria mandates zero duty payment for export,” he stated, emphasising that exporters typically do not incur export duties, except for specific instances where re-exported goods that were initially imported may incur a 2.5 per cent levy.
Providing insights into the command’s recent activities, Odusanya revealed that from January to September 2023, the command facilitated the export of 12,438 containers, comprising agricultural produce, locally manufactured goods, solid minerals, and various sundry commodities, with a substantial FOB value of $518,690,852.93.
Some stakeholders also spoke at the event and acknowledged the efficiency of customs processes while highlighting other urgent issues.
Comrade Augustine Umunnakwe, the Maritime Union Chairman at the Lilypond export terminal, noted the efficiency of Customs Officers but highlighted challenges stemming from the limited workforce from shipping companies while calling for on-site government agency representatives to enhance efficiency.
Abdulsalam Babatunde, Head of Processing at Diamond Star Port and Terminal Limited, emphasised the collaboration with shipping lines and government agencies in ensuring the smooth processing of exports, stressing that nothing leaves the terminal without proper customs clearance.
Emmanuel Ekle, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer at the Nigeria Export Promotion Council southwest, highlighted the seamless online registration for exporters and the Council’s support for trade promotion activities and the administration of export incentives.