Lilypond command facilitated 30,979 export containers in 2024 – Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service, Lilypond Export Command, says it facilitated the export of 30,979 containers of agricultural produce and manufactured goods valued at $2.1bn in 2024.

The command’s Area Controller, Ajibola Odusanya, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the command in Ijora, Lagos recently.

Giving a breakdown of the $2.1bn worth of exports, he explained that agricultural produce valued at $1.1bn, manufactured goods worth $340.9m, solid minerals valued at $335.6m as well as other export products worth $330.5m were exported within the period under review.

“A breakdown of the $2.1bn export processed in 2024 shows that agricultural produce valued at $1.1bn, manufactured goods worth $340.9m, solid minerals at $335.6m as well as other export products worth $330.5m were exported within the period under review,” Odunsanya said.

According to him, “The command processed 30,979 containers in 2024, facilitating smooth logistics and ensuring timely delivery of goods to international markets.”

Odusanya attributed the success to the consolidation of all export seats in the command and stakeholders’ commitment to enhancing the quality and marketability of Nigerian agricultural products.

He said that the agricultural sector had emerged as a dominant force within the non-oil export landscape, accounting for over 53 per cent of the total export value.

While comparing the exports processed in the third quarter of 2024 and the fourth quarter of 2024, Odusanya said that the fourth quarter witnessed an understandable decline in the export cargo processed.

He said that the decline was because of the challenges associated with the unavoidability of empty cargo boxes for stuffing and the decline in demand for exportable raw materials due to the end-of-the-year holiday period around the world.

Odunsanya said despite the decline in export processes that the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme revenue recorded an increase to 32.5 per cent from N5.33bn to N7.06bn while the growth highlighted the resilience in non-oil export.

The CAC said that the value of shipments in the fourth quarter saw a decline of 16.44 per cent from $937.3m to $783.2m in non-oil commercial exports.

Odunsanya said that the tonnage of exported goods also declined by 22.49 per cent from 405,979.72 metric tons to 314.671 metric tons.

He further explained that duty paid on the export of previously imported goods also declined by 32.39 per cent from N136m to N91m

The Liliypond Customs boss assured stakeholders and partners in the export value chain to ensure a more efficient clearance process, combat illicit trade, and promote economic development.

He solicited special attention for agricultural products, particularly those from far-east nations like China, Japan, Thailand, and others.

According to Odunsanya, the use of chemicals on agricultural goods should comply with international standards, where preservation techniques are critical to maintaining product integrity during transit.

He said the NCS’s export activities in 2024 had demonstrated the potential for growth within the non-oil sector, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and prioritising compliance with international standards.

“We can position Nigeria as a leading exporter in the global market. Let us work together to build on our successes and make 2025 an even more prosperous year for Nigeria’s export sector.

“Considering recent developments, we must emphasise the importance of compliance with international standards regarding quality and preservation to enhance our competitiveness on the global stage. Exporters are urged to familiarise themselves with these standards to ensure that their products meet the expectations of the international market,” Odunsanya said.