Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has announced a significant achievement in export facilitation, with the Lilypond Export Command processing 3,540 export containers valued at $184.8 million in the second quarter of 2024.
According to the Customs Area Comptroller of Lilypond Export Command, Mr. Ajibola Odusanya, the command’s sustained performance is a testament to the service’s commitment to promoting effective trade practices and economic prosperity, despite the challenges facing the economy.
Odunsanya, in a statement sighted by SweetcrudeReports noted that exports include agricultural produce, manufactured goods, solid and extractive minerals, showcasing Nigeria’s diverse economic potential.
The statement said the achievement demonstrates the NCS’s dedication to supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
“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 statement read.
According to Customs, the Command facilitated the export of 3,540 20ft and 40ft containers valued at $184,880,029.35 within the period under review.
“The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme received a payment of N1.2 billion. At the same time, N29,626,178 was generated as a surcharge on the export of previously imported goods and other machinery approved by the Federal Ministry of Finance,” it stated.
On stakeholder engagement, Comptroller Odusanya noted that the command maintained its open-door policy and resolved many issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
“The Lilypond Export Command, as the lead agency in the drive for export trade facilitation, have consistently collaborated with all relevant agencies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA, DSS, 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 noted.
He assured stakeholders that the Lilypond Export Command is now better positioned to deliver high-quality service and reaffirmed the service’s dedication to promoting effective trade practices and economic prosperity.
