Maritime Agencies
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY: Lilypond Export Command CAC Hails Contribution of Agric Sector To Nigeria’s Non-oil Exports
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
That agricultural products now dominate non-oil exports and accounts for over 53% of total export value through the ports is a
reflection of the determination and commitment of stakeholders to enhance the quality and marketability of Nigerian agricultural products.
Customs Area Controller (CAC), Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller A. Y. Odusanya stated this in Lagos, Tuesday, while giving a rundown of activities at the Export Command for the year 2024 as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) joins the global community to celebrate the International Customs Day with the theme ‘Delivering on Its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity’.
The year, 2024, the CAC recalled, marked a significant milestone in the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, with the total value of exported goods reaching N2,141,546,149.
“This represents a commendable increase compared to previous years, highlighting the resilience and potential of Nigeria’s export capabilities particularly in agricultural products, manufactured goods and solid minerals.”
Within the period under review, he added, agricultural exports earned $1,134,337,499, while manufactured goods, solid minerals and others attracted $340, 996,434, $335,687,305 and $330,524,912 respectively.
“In addition to the impressive export values, the Lilypond Export Command processed a total of 30,979 containers throughout the year, facilitating smooth logistics and ensuring timely delivery of goods to international markets. The 2.5% surcharge generated from the export of previously imported goods as provided for in the 2021 Fiscal Policy amounted to N275, 833,297 as revenue to the Federal Government.”
Giving a comparative analysis of the dispositions for 3rd and 4th quarter, 2024, Comptroller Odusanya remarked that generally, the 4th quarter under review witnessed an understandable decline in export cargo-processing following challenges associated with the unavailability of empty cargo boxes for stuffing, coupled with a decline in demand for exportable raw materials following the end-of-the-year holiday period around the world.
Despite this, the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue collection recorded a growth of 32.51%, climbing from N5,333,343,692.86 to N7, 067,351,977.16, a growth which highlights the resilience in non-oil commercial exports, the CAC explained.
The value of shipments in the 4th quarter, he said, saw a decline of 16.44%, from $937,357, 129.9 to $783,221,101.38. The tonnage of exported goods also declined by 22.49%, from 405,979.72 metric tons to 314,671 metric tons.
The duty paid on export of previously imported goods also declined by 32.39%, from N136, 042,360 to N91,945,795.00.
Still on the remarkable performance of the non-oil export sector, he attributed this to seamless collaboration and cooperation the Nigeria Customs Service enjoys with the NPA and other notable export stakeholders.
“This synergy has fostered an environment conducive to trade, enabling exporters to navigate the complexities of international markets with greater ease.”
“I, therefore, would want to assure all stakeholders and partners in the export value chain that the Command under my watch is positioned to ensure a more efficient clearance process, combat illicit trade and promote economic development.”
In 2025, he stated, it is critical to . maintain this positive momentum.
“We encourage all stakeholders – exporters, logistics providers and regulatory bodies – to continue working together towards a profitable export exercise. The foundation laid in 2024 should serve as a springboard for even greater achievements in the coming year.”
He harped on the importance of compliance with international standards regarding quality and preservation to enhance competitiveness of goods generated from Nigeria at the international market.
“Special attention should be given to agricultural products, particularly those destined for far-east nations like China, Japan, Thailand and others. The use of chemicals on agricultural products must comply with the standard’s where preservation techniques ate critical to maintaining products integrity during transit.”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
Customs
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated a strong desire to ensure free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan international trade corridor by eradicating all negative factors involved. This it is implementing through effective collaboration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Customs J.T. Ayagbalo, on behalf of Comptroller Kaila, the Customs Area Controller.
While on a series of familiarization visits to the Palaces of traditional rulers and stations of heads of sister security agencies, the CAC announced that the step signifies a bold commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the Federal government economic policies.
At the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a highly recognized traditional ruler across the border communities and beyond.
””The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we cannot have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said.
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Kaila as a son of the soil, added: “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya where he signified his commitment to fostering the service’s relationship with residents living within the border communities
”I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he stated.
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
”I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, the controller visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry. The Air Force base formation expressed their readiness to always support the command in achieving its mandate. This was revealed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, where he added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
”Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familiarization tour by seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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