The agricultural sector has emerged as a dominant force within the non-oil export landscape, accounting for over 53 per cent of the total export value in the year 2024 as Nigeria exported $1.134,337,499 worth of agricultural products.
Announcing this on Tuesday during a press briefing on Export Activities Report for the Year ended 2024 at Lilypond Export Command, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ajibola Yekinni Odusanya, noted that this achievement is a testament to the commitment of stakeholders in enhancing the quality and marketability of Nigerian agricultural products.
The controller stated that year 2024 marked a significant milestone in the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector with the total value of exported goods reaching Two Billion, One Hundred and Forty-one Million, Five Hundred and Forty-six Thousand, One Hundred and Forty-nine Dollars ($2,141,546,149).
He said that this represents a commendable increase compared to previous years, highlighting the resilience and potential Nigeria’s export capabilities, particularly in agricultural products, manufactured goods and solid minerals.
Comptroller Odusanya gave the breakdown of exported goods as follows: Agricultural products; $1,134,337,499: Manufactured goods: $340,996,434:Solid minerals; $335,687,305 while others accounted for $330,524,912.
He noted that in addition to the impressive export values, the command processed a total of 30,979 containers throughout the year, facilitating smooth logistics and ensuring timely delivery of goods in international markets.
The CAC gave the 2.5% surcharge generated from the export of previously imported goods as provided for in 2021 Fiscal Policy to amount to N275,833,297 as revenue to the Federal Government.
Giving a comparative analysis of the third and fourth quarters of 2924, Comptroller Odusanya said that the fourth quarter witnessed an understandable decline in the export cargo processing. He explained that it was as a result of challenges associated with the nonavailability of empty cargo boxes for stuffing and also the decline in demand for exportable raw materials due to the end of the year holiday period around the world.
However, he stated that despite this, NESS revenue collection recorded a growth of 32.51%, climbing from N5,333,343,692.86 to N7,067,351,977.16.
He also said that the value of shipments in the fourth quarter saw a decline of 16.44% from $937,357,129.9 to $783,221,101.38.
He hinted that the tonnage of exported goods also declined by 22.49% from 405,979,.72 metric tons to 314,671 metric tons.
The controller further said that the duty paid on exports of previously imported goods also declined by 32.39% from N136,042,360 to N91,945,795.
He attributed the remarkable performance of the non-oil export sector to the seamless collaboration and cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority and other notable export stakeholders.
He remarked that the synergy has fostered an environment conducive to trade, enabling exporters to navigate the complexities of international markets with greater ease.