The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Lilypond Export Command said it processed export goods worth N86.4 billion, equivalent to free-on-board value (FOB) of $204.7 million in the first quarter.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Babandede Mohammed, while disclosing the activities of the command, yesterday, in Lagos said it also processed non-oil export with a total tonnage of 118,184.96 within the period under review.

He listed the exported items to include agricultural produce such as cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, hibiscus flowers, soya beans and ginger.

Other items are mineral resources such as lithium ore, manganese ore, and zircon sand among others, while the manufactured goods exported are noodles, cosmetics, cigarettes and beverages.

Recall that the NCS in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) approved the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) with the mandate to undertake stuffing, examination, and document processing for non-oil export cargos accessing the Lagos ports by road, rail and barges.

This establishment was geared towards fast-tracking export businesses for quick turnover, proper documentation and repatriation of export proceeds back to the country.

It was also aimed at decongesting the ports and all the access roads leading to the ports.

Mohammed said the command, which was established for the process, has made some progress in terms of a drastic reduction in delay of export processing, making the business of export effective and efficient since all agencies are domiciled in one place as a one-stop shop.

He said the command has also reduced congestion along the access roads to the ports and inside the port terminals, giving space for import containers.

He said it has also reduced the cost of export business and issue of contract cancellation as well as eliminated pilfering of cargoes.

According to Mohammed, released containers can now access the ports within 48 hour for loading onto awaiting vessels.

He added that the command, in collaboration with the shipping lines, has reduced the turnaround time of a vessel, which decreases the cost of shipping.

According to him, the Lilypond export command has completely erased the issue of rejection and return of the country’s agro-produce, which is usually caused by delay and lack of requisite phytosanitary certificates.

“Since the establishment of this command, I have been meeting with various stakeholders comprising terminal operators, exporters, licensed agents, freight forwarders, and shipping lines. I want to reassure our stakeholders that lilypond export command will continue to facilitate their legitimate trade,” he noted.