Only Approved Terminals Will Supply Export To Ports – Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has said only export laden containers that emanated from the five Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), recently approved by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), would be allowed to be loaded on seagoing vessels.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, yesterday, the Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Compt. Mohammed Babandede, said going forward, export heading to Tin-Can Island port and Apapa port will come through the EPTs.

The five EPTs are Diamondstar Port & Terminals Ltd, Ijora; Esslibra Terminal, Ikorodu; Sundial Global Trade & Service Ltd, Kirikiri; Bellington Cargo Ltd, Okokomaiko; and Tenzik Energy Ltd, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal 1.

The terminals are certified as pre-gates for all exports where export goods will be sorted, inspected, certified, sealed, and escorted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to the port and when the goods get to the ports, they would no longer be examined by Customs.

Babandede, said promoting export was a potential that has been identified by the government in order to drive FX earnings.

“NPA has approved five terminals and all export for Tin-Can and Apapa must come from these terminals. The Nigeria Export Promotion Council also has 13 approved export warehouses across the country. So, our officers can only attend to the cargoes coming from these places alone,” he said.