Over N86.426 billion ($205m) worth of non-oil agriculture export items was processed by the Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in the first quarter of 2023.
This was made known in a statement by the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Babandede Mohammed.
READ: News: Nigerian Customs Says Sesame, Ginger, Hibiscus Top N70.2bn Agric Export From Apapa
According to Punch, the statement listed items processed as agricultural produce which include cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, hibiscus flower, soya beans and ginger. “Other items exported are mineral resources such as lithium ore, manganese ore, and zircon sand to mention but a few. Manufactured goods exported are instant noodles, cosmetics, cigarettes and beverages,” it added.
He also said that within the period under review, the command processed non-oil export with a total tonnage of 118,184.96. He said that despite being a new command, Lilypond export command has recorded some achievements such as, “Drastically reducing delay in export processing. It makes the business of export effective and efficient since all agencies are domiciled in one place as a one-stop shop.
‘”It has reduced congestion along the access roads to the port and also inside the port terminals, giving space for import containers. It has reduced the cost of export business. It has reduced the issue of contract cancellation. The issue of pilfering of cargo has been eliminated. Released containers can access the port within 48hrs for loading on to awaiting vessel. The command in collaboration with shipping lines has reduced the turnaround time of a vessel which decreases the cost of shipping. Lilypond Export Command has completely erased the issue of rejection and return of our agro-produce which is usually caused by delay and lack of requisite phyto-sanitary certificates.”
According to him, the command has an excellent inter-agency collaboration with other government agencies. “I want to appreciate the Nigerian Ports Authority for coming up with the concept of Export Processing Terminals and by providing all the necessary support to the command.”
