Lilypond Customs calls for improved logistics, shipping capacity to drive export growth
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for improved logistics, indigenous shipping capacity and stronger collaboration among exporters and maritime stakeholders to increase Nigeria’s export flow and reduce its dependence on imports.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, made the call on Wednesday when the executives of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid him a courtesy visit.
Salako said trade data from the command showed a continuous increase in export traffic, particularly manufactured goods, but noted that logistics challenges were affecting the smooth movement of exports.
He said exporters sometimes had to compete for available shipping space with imported cargo, resulting in delays as they waited for imported consignments to be discharged before space became available for their products.
According to him, Nigeria needs a system that enables locally produced goods to move more efficiently from production centres to international markets, including markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He urged major businesses and exporters with the requisite licences and capacity to explore greater collaboration and direct shipping arrangements, adding that exporters could also pool resources to organise shipments and develop their own logistics arrangements.
Salako said increasing exports was critical to improving the country’s balance of trade, creating jobs and expanding business opportunities, stressing that sustainable economic growth could not be achieved by focusing largely on imports.
He said the Lilypond Export Command remained committed to facilitating the movement of Nigerian products to international markets and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the export sector.
The Customs boss also called for stronger collaboration between the service, maritime stakeholders and journalists to promote developments in the export sector.
He said maritime journalism played an important role in informing the public about developments and reforms in the sector, adding that effective communication could encourage more businesses to participate in international trade.
On his part, the President of MARCON, Aniemu, said sustained growth in the export sector could create more jobs, strengthen the economy and contribute to the stability of the naira over the next five years.
Aniemu commended the Customs command for its efforts in promoting export activities and assured the command of maritime journalists’ support for policies and initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and sustainable growth in the sector.
