The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has processed non-oil export with a total tonnage of 118,184.96.
The processed export goods worth N86,426,279,070.59 which is equivalent to free on-board value (FOB) of $204,656,119.04.
Addressing the press on Wednesday at the command, the Area Controller, Compt. Babandede Mohammed disclosed that the items processed are agricultural produce like Cocoa Beans, Cashew Nuts, Sesame seeds, Hibiscus flower, Soya beans and Ginger.
Compt. Babandede listed other items exported as mineral resources such as Lithium Ore, Manganese Ore, and Zircon Sand to mention but a few.
According to him, manufactured goods exported are Instant Noodles, Cosmetics, Cigarettes and Beverages.
The controller noted that despite being a new command, the export command recorded some modest achievements.
He highlighted the achievements as follows:
* Drastic reduction of delay in export processing;
*Effectiveness and efficiency in the business of export since all agencies are domiciled in one place as a one stop shop;
*Reduction in congestion along the access roads to the port and also inside the port terminals, giving space for Import containers;
* Reduction in the cost of Export business;
*Reduction in the issue of contract cancellation;
* Elimination of the issue of pilfering of cargo; *Released containers can access the port within 48 hours for loading on to awaiting vessel;
* The command in collaboration with shipping lines have reduced the turnaround time of a vessel which decreases the cost of shipping; and
* Command completely erased the issue of rejection and return of Agro-produce which is usually caused by delay and lack of requisite phytosanitary certificates.
On inter-agency collaboration and engagement, the controller noted that Lilypond Export Command has an excellent inter-agency collaboration with other government agencies.
He appreciated the Nigerian Ports Authority for coming up with the concept of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) and by providing all the necessary support to the Command.
Compt. Babandede also lauded the patriotic role of other sister agencies who have always partnered with his command in its quest to effectively perform its statutory functions in compliance with extant laws.
In his words: “Since the establishment of this Command, I have been meeting with various stakeholders comprising Terminal Operators, Exporters, Licensed Agents, Freight Forwarders, and Shipping Lines. May I use this medium to reassure our stakeholders that Lilypond Export Command will continue to facilitate their legitimate trade.
“On this note, I want to humbly extend my profound appreciation to the CGC, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) CFR and his Management team for their continuous support.”
The controller also commended the officers and men of the command for their contributions to the successes achieved so far and appealed to them to double their efforts in order to achieve greater heights in the coming months.
Earlier in his speech, the controller narrated how the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority approved the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) with the mandate to undertake stuffing, examination, and document processing for non-oil export cargos accessing the Lagos Ports by road, rail and barges.
He added that this establishment is geared towards: Fast-tracking export businesses for quick turnover to ensure proper documentation and repatriation of export proceeds back to the country as well as to decongest the ports and all the roads leading to the ports.
He stated that to achieve all this, the Lilypond Export Command was created and commissioned on 1st November, 2022.
