Lilypond Customs Calls for Improved Logistics, Indigenous Shipping Capacity to Boost Exports
The Acting Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, has called for the development of indigenous shipping capacity and improved logistics to enable the country increase export volumes, reduce its dependence on imports, create jobs and grow the economy.
Salako made the call on Wednesday when the executives of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid him a courtesy visit, noting that trade data from the command already shows a continuous increase in export traffic, particularly manufactured goods.
Salako said exports remained critical to improving Nigeria’s balance of trade, creating more business opportunities, strengthening the national currency and enhancing the country’s economic prosperity.
He maintained that sustainable economic growth could not be achieved by focusing largely on imports without giving equal attention to the volume and value of goods leaving the country.
The Customs controller said Nigeria therefore needed to increase the value and volume of locally produced goods entering international markets, rather than remain heavily dependent on foreign products.
He said the Lilypond Export Command plays an important role in addressing the imbalance by facilitating the movement of Nigerian products to international markets.
Salako, however, identified logistics as one of the challenges affecting the smooth movement of exports, particularly where exporters have to compete for available space with imported cargo.
According to him, the situation can create delays for exporters, who may have to wait for imported consignments to be discharged before space becomes available for their products.
He said Nigeria would benefit from a system that enables locally produced goods to move more efficiently from production centres to international markets, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Salako urged major businesses and exporters with the requisite licences and capacity to explore greater collaboration and direct shipping arrangements to improve the movement of Nigerian products.
He added that exporters could also pool resources to organise shipments and develop their own logistics arrangements, noting that such measures would help improve the efficiency and volume of exports.
The Customs boss said improving the country’s export performance should be viewed as a collective responsibility involving Customs, exporters, businesses, logistics operators and other stakeholders.
He also stressed the importance of communicating developments in the export sector to the wider public, saying greater awareness of export opportunities and progress could encourage more businesses to participate in international trade.
Salako said the Customs Service remained committed to supporting initiatives that consolidate gains in the export sector, promote innovation and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
He called for stronger collaboration between the Service, maritime stakeholders and journalists to promote Nigeria’s export growth, strengthen the economy and improve the country’s balance of trade.
