Lilypond Command Sees Major Gains as Duty Payments Hit $937.4m

Prospective exporters with limited capacity to export on a large scale have been encouraged to leverage the grouping system in Nigeria’s export promotion policies, which facilitates collective exports.

This advice was shared by Ajibola Odusanya, Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Command, during a visit from Great Achievers Magazine’s management, led by publisher Yomi Ogunsanu.

Odusanya reported that the Command generated US$937,357,129.90 in duty payments on cargo shipments from June to September 2024. The tonnage of exported goods surged by 368.02 per cent, climbing from 86,783.93 metric tons to 405,979.72 metric tons.

He also noted that 2,488 containers were processed between April and June 2024, with a duty paid value of approximately US$184 million.

The Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue collection grew an extraordinary 733.22 per cent, from N640, 198,812.18 to N5,333,343,692.86, highlighting improved tracking and documentation of export activities.

Key export metrics reflect the positive impact of streamlined operations. The command’s elimination of bureaucratic bottlenecks has expedited processing times for export documentation, leading to higher revenue collection and a more transparent export value chain.

Odusanya emphasized that Lilypond Export Command focuses solely on sea-bound exports, ensuring compliance with NCS guidelines. Officers are also available to assist exporters across regions, significantly reducing container wait times to under 24 hours.

Among the exportable agricultural products are cashew nuts, cassia seeds, sesame seeds, gum arabic, and ginger. The command also facilitates the export of manufactured goods and solid minerals, including aluminum ore and iron ore.

For smaller exporters, Odusanya mentioned the opportunity for groupage, where multiple individuals can combine their goods for export, alleviating the burden of filling an entire container.

Attributing the Q3 revenue surge to enhanced efficiency following the consolidation of export operations, Odusanya acknowledged the collaboration of various regulatory agencies in streamlining export procedures, reinforcing the command’s commitment to improving the export value chain.

Yomi Ogunsanu praised the command’s successes, highlighting Nigeria’s potential to diversify its economy beyond oil.

He urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate roads leading to Lilypond Export Command to facilitate ease of doing business and called for increased awareness of export opportunities among Nigerians.