Lilypond Customs Facilitates $2.1bn Exports In 2024

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Lilypond Export Command, Lagos, facilitated the export of agricultural produce and manufactured goods valued at $2.1 billion in 2024.

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

He explained that the breakdown of the $2.1 billion export processed in 2024 included agricultural produce valued at $1.1 billion, manufactured goods worth $340.9 million and solid minerals at $335.6 million as well and other export products worth $330.5 million.

The Command boss stated that the Lilypond Customs 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 into the command in July 2024, and stakeholders’ commitment in 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 export processed in the third quarter of 2024 and fourth quarter of 2024, Odusanya said that the fourth quarter witnessed an understandable decline in the export cargo processing.

He said that the declined was because of the challenges associated with the inevitability 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 in spite of the decline in export processed that the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue recorded, it declined to 32.5 per cent from N5.33 billion to N7.06 billion while the growth highlighted the resilience in non-oil export.

He said that the value of shipments in the fourth quarter saw a decline of 16.44 per cent from $937.3 million to $783.2 million 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 export of previously imported goods also declined by 32.39 per cent from N136.0 million to N91.9 million

Odunsanya said that on Monday, the Nigeria Customs Service joined the global community of Customs administrations to celebrate the International Customs Day 2025 with the theme: “Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”.

The Liliypond customs export 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 the international standards, where preservation techniques are critical to maintaining product integrity during transit.

He said the Nigeria Customs Service’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.