The Nigeria Customs Service’s Lilypond Terminal in Lagos has facilitated the export of 12,438 containers worth $519 million between January and September 2023, according to a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the terminal, Ajibola Odusanya, detailed that this export activity included 6,524 20-foot containers and 5,914 40-foot containers.

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The exports comprised agricultural produce such as cocoa, cashews, soya, ginger, hibiscus flower, cotton, sesame seeds, and locally manufactured goods, along with solid minerals like aluminum, copper, magnesium, lithium, and zinc.

The service plays a significant role in facilitating Nigeria’s export economy, with current government policies allowing for zero duty payment for exports in most cases, Odusanya noted.

Various stakeholders at the export terminal commended the efficiency of the customs officers but cited challenges with shipping companies.

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They also emphasized the importance of government agencies stationing representatives at the terminal to enhance efficiency in the clearance process.