Yomi Ogunsanu and Comptroller Odusanya
The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded an increase of 407.05%, amounting to $937,357,129.90 of cargo shipment in the third quarter of 2024, up from $184,880,029.35 recorded in the second quarter.
The Controller of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, made this known to newsmen in his office on Thursday, 3rd October, 2024, during a courtesy visit to his office by the Publisher of Great Achiever Magazine, Yomi Ogunsanu.
Odusanya said the substantial rise can be attributed to the enhanced efficiency following the consolidation of export seats at the Lilypond Export Command (LEXC).
He disclosed that the tonnage of exported goods also surged by 368.02% from 86,783.93 metric tons to 405,979.72 metric tons, which reflects the significant scaling up of export processing capacity at the LEXC.
The Area Controller said: “Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue collection recorded an extraordinary growth of 733.22%, climbing from N640,198,812.18 to N5,333,343,692.86.
“This growth highlights the consolidation’s positive impact on revenue generation through improved tracking and proper documentation of export activities.
“The duty paid on exports of previously imported goods increased by 359.12%, from N29,626,178.00 to N136,042,360.00.
“This can be linked to the improved enforcement of customs regulations post-consolidation”, Odusanya concluded.
Meanwhile, Comptroller Odusanya noted that the consolidation of export seats at all Lagos ports into Lilypond Export Command has clearly yielded significant gains, reflecting in the impressive increases across key export metrics.
He said the primary benefit was the elimination of bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously hindered smooth export processes, adding that the centralization of export operations has allowed for faster processing times for export documentation, improved compliance with NCS guidelines and regulations, higher revenue collection, and a more transparent and traceable export value chain.
Odusanya, while appreciating other government regulatory agencies for their collaboration in ensuring an efficient and effective export clearing procedure, said their roles in aligning with the trade facilitation initiatives of the Nigeria Customs Service has been vital in achieving these results.
He assured that the LEXC is better equipped, motivated, and determined to foster a safe and profitable environment for all categories of exporters, saying that “we are committed to continuously improving the export value chain, and assure the public that these reforms will further enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global export market”.
In his remarks during the courtesy visit, Ogunsanu appealed to the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the roads leading to Lilypond Export Command in Ijora-Lagos, noting that the bad state of the roads can affect ease of doing business in the command if not attended to.
The Publisher, while commending Comptroller Odusanya and his team for the good works they are doing at the command, called for removal of administrative bottlenecks that can hinder export processing.
Ogunsanu also advised the command to intensify efforts in sensitizing Nigerians on the importance and desirability of export business.
