The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, saddled with Export and Document processing for non-oil export cargoes accessing the Lagos Ports by roads, rail and barges has revealed its score card for the first quarter of 2023.
The Command which was established on the 1st of November, 2022 has Comptroller Babandede Mohammed as the Customs Area Controller and works in collaboration with the Nigerian Port Authority.
While speaking to Newsmen on the 19th of April, 2023 at the Command’s Conference Room, the CAC noted that the Command processed FOB value of N86,426,279,070.59.
“Available trade statistics show that the command processed export goods worth N86,426,279,070.59 which is equivalent to free-on-board value (FOB) of $204,656,119.04,” he stressed.
Babandede Mohammed also revealed that, within the period under review, the Command processed non-oil export with a total tonnage of 118,184.96.
According to him, the items processed were; agricultural produce like Cocoa Beans, Cashew Nuts, Sesame seeds, Hibiscus Flowers, Soya beans and Ginger.
Other items exported were 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.
“Lilypond Export Command despite being a new Command has drastically reduced 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 also reduced 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 have 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 phytosanitary certificates.” he stated.
While thanking sister security Agencies for an excellent inter-agency collaboration, Babandede extended his profound appreciation to the CGC, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) CFR and his Management team for their continuous support.
