The Nation Newspaper

Tag: customs

  • Customs tackles money laundering with e-currency form

    Customs tackles money laundering with e-currency form

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has introduced an electronic-currency (E-Currency) declaration form to tighten regulations on cash movements and curb money laundering.

    This initiative requires travellers carrying cash above a specified limit to declare their funds digitally before arrival or departure from the country.

    According to Customs’ spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, the system was designed to enhance transparency and compliance.

    “We have developed a system where, even before leaving your point of origin, you can scan a QR code, access the form, fill it out, and we will be able to see it from here.

    The NCS is set to deploy this very soon,” he stated.

    The new measure, he explained, aligns with the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the NCS Act 2023, both of which mandate that travelers carrying more than $10,000 (approximately N15.4 million) or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare the funds to Customs.

    To ensure compliance, Maiwada said NCS was collaborating with airlines to announce the declaration requirement on board flights. Additionally, he noted that the Service is reinstating multilingual signage, particularly in English and French at airports to raise awareness.

    The spokesman cited recent currency seizures as evidence of increased vigilance.

    “We have reinforced searches at all airports, entry, and exit points identified as high-risk areas for currency movement. It is not illegal to move any amount of currency, but when carrying more than $10,000 or its equivalent, travelers must declare it. If you conceal it, the law will take its course,” he warned.

    Read Also: Lakurawa terrorists kill two Customs officers, local in Kebbi

    Highlighting specific incidents, Maiwada recalled a case at Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where a female passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia was found with undeclared cash. Another major seizure involved $193,000 concealed in a yogurt carton at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Similarly, undeclared CFA currency was intercepted at the Idiroko border. 

    The NCS, he indicated, is also reinforcing its cargo scanning systems to detect illicit cash movements.

    “Density variations in scanned images serve as red flags, prompting further physical examination,” he explained.

    According to Maiwada, recently, the agency intercepted $1.1 million and 135,900 Saudi Riyals at Kano Airport, a move that underscores its commitment to strengthening financial integrity and ensuring Nigeria complies with global anti-money laundering standards.

    The Customs PRO emphasised that these measures are designed to strengthen surveillance and support ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s financial transparency, potentially leading to the country’s removal from international financial watchlists.

  • Customs seized N1.7b goods in one month

    Customs seized N1.7b goods in one month

    • Arrests  6 suspects

    Operatives of  Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A’, Ikeja, Nigeria Customs Service have seized prohibited goods worth over N1.7billion and arrested six suspects.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the Area Controller of the Unit, Kola Oladeji said the operatives intercepted the following  items:3, 832 X 50KG bags of foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trailer loads; 27 units of used vehicles also known as Tokumbo vehicles;  494 Jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS) equivalent to 14,820 litres; 27 bales of used clothing; 95 bags of charcoal and  3,643kg of cannabis sativa, among others.

    Read Also: Ibas directs Heads of LGAs to submit reports of councils’ activities

    According to Oladeji, the Unit also arrested six suspects in connection with the seizures made within a month.

    These seizures, Oladeji said, have a duty paid value (DPV) of  N1.7billion, adding that the drugs would be handed over to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and subsequent prosecution.

    On revenue generation, he said, the unit  made N72, 442,526.73, through issuance of Demand Notices (DN) from irregular declaration of consignments.

    The Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, he said, had rolled-out trade facilitation tools to help boost their revenue and grow the economy.

  • Customs seizes smuggled PMS worth N125m in Kebbi 

    Customs seizes smuggled PMS worth N125m in Kebbi 

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 125,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth ₦125 million in Kebbi.The Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    Adeniyi was represented by NCS’s National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind Team, ACG Husseini Ejibunu.

    He stated that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence provided by the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU).

    He explained that the Tsamiya area of Kebbi had been under surveillance for several days before the interception.

    According to him, Customs operatives, in collaboration with the Kebbi Area Command and the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘B’, successfully carried out the seizure.

    “We intercepted three Scania trucks carrying smuggled PMS, all registered in the Republic of Benin.

    He said the first truck with registration BC-7184RB, contained 766 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of pms.

    ” The second truck with registration numbee AT-2457RB, had 1,454 jerry cans of 25 litres each and several 200-litre drums of pms.

    “While the third truck with registration number BV-6240RB, contained 1,350 jerry cans of 25 litres each and 18 drums of 200 litres each of pms.”

    Adeniyi further said tha the team seized 805 jerry cans of 25 litres each at various smuggling flashpoints, including Dolekeina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, and Lolo Tsamiya.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts $193,000 concealed in Yogurt carton at Abuja airport

    He provided a breakdown of the total seizure as, 4,375 jerry cans of pms (25 litres each, 54 drums of pms (200 litres each) with grand total of 125,000 litres of pms, with duty paid value of ₦125 million.

    He emphasised that the operation reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and illicit trade, which pose threats to Nigeria’s social and economic well-being.

    “This success highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in addressing complex security challenges,” he said.

    He acknowledged the synergy between Operation Whirlwind, the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the achievement.

    “The coordinated efforts of these institutions have enabled us to swiftly respond to intelligence reports and secure our borders with precision and professionalism.”

    Adeniyi also acknowledged the crucial role played by the ONSA, led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for providing strategic intelligence and policy support to enhance national security efforts.

    “Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.”

    Earlier, the Kebbi Area Controller, Mr Chidi Nwokorie, commended the officers and men of the Kebbi Area command, Customs, Police, Operation Whirlwind, and FOU Zone ‘B’ for their dedication and success in the operation.

    (NAN)

  • Customs intercepts $193,000 concealed in Yogurt carton at Abuja airport

    Customs intercepts $193,000 concealed in Yogurt carton at Abuja airport

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has intercepted $193,000 undeclared foreign currency concealed in a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The interception resulted from credible intelligence gathering and a vigilant baggage check on an inbound passenger.

    Addressing newsmen at the airport’s International Wing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, disclosed that the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina (40), arrived in Nigeria on board Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    Acting on intelligence received earlier in the day, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection which led to the discovery of the concealed funds.

    “Around the early hours of today (yesterday), we received an intelligence report which proved very helpful. This afternoon, one Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, who boarded Ethiopian Airlines from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was found concealing a total sum of $193,000 in a carton of yoghurt.” Comptroller Adebisi said.

    He explained that the undeclared cash violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, both of which mandate that any traveller in possession of funds exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare it to the Nigeria Customs Service upon arrival or departure.

    Read Also; Rivers crisis and the perils of unwisdom

    “The law clearly states that if a person has funds above $10,000, they must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of the money, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both,” he explained.

    Providing further details on how Customs officers uncovered the smuggled cash, Adebisi noted that advanced scanning technology played a crucial role in detecting the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.

    “When Mr. Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina’s luggage was scanned, we detected an unusual density. We allowed him to proceed but closely monitored his baggage.

    “Upon further inspection, we discovered that the density was irregular, so we instructed him to return.

    “In his presence, we checked the package and found the undeclared money hidden inside the yoghurt carton,” he said.

    Following the seizure, the intercepted $193,000 was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

    “As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited money to the EFCC for further necessary action,” Adebisi stated.

    The Comptroller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for creating an enabling working environment for officers and men of the Command and the entire Service, which has enhanced operational efficiency.

  • Customs intercepts $193,000 concealed in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport

    Customs intercepts $193,000 concealed in Yogurt Carton at Abuja Airport

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has intercepted $193,000 undeclared foreign currency concealed in a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The interception resulted from credible intelligence gathering and a vigilant baggage check on an inbound passenger.

    Addressing newsmen at the airport’s International Wing, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, disclosed that the suspect, Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina (40 years old), arrived in Nigeria onboard Ethiopian Airlines Flight No. 951 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    Acting on intelligence received earlier in the day, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection, which led to the discovery of the concealed funds.

    “Around the early hours of today, we received an intelligence report, which proved very helpful. This afternoon, one Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina, who boarded Ethiopian Airlines from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was found concealing a total sum of $193,000 inside a carton of yoghurt.” Comptroller Adebisi said.

    He explained that the undeclared cash violates the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, both of which mandate that any traveller in possession of funds exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare it to the Nigeria Customs Service upon arrival or departure.

    “The law clearly states that if a person has funds above $10,000, they must declare it to Customs. Failure to do so could result in the forfeiture of the money, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.” He explained.

    Read Also: Customs seizes 70,175 litres of smuggled petrol worth N72.6m in Adamawa

    Providing further details on how Customs officers uncovered the smuggled cash, Adebisi noted that advanced scanning technology played a crucial role in detecting the unusual density of the suspect’s luggage.

    “When Mr. Kamilu Abdullahi Sarina’s luggage was scanned, we detected an unusual density. We allowed him to proceed but closely monitored his baggage. Upon further inspection, we discovered that the density was irregular, so we instructed him to return. In his presence, we checked the package and found the undeclared money hidden inside the yoghurt carton,” he said.

    Following the seizure, the intercepted $193,000 was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

    “As required by law, we are handing over the forfeited money to the EFCC for further necessary action.” Adebisi stated.

    Reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across borders, Comptroller Adebisi warned that travellers attempting to bypass financial regulations would face strict legal consequences.

    According to him: “All travellers must comply with Nigeria’s financial regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when travelling in or out of the country.” 

    “The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995 provide clear guidelines on currency declaration. Non-compliance with these regulations violates Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.” He added.

    The Customs Area Controller further assured that the FCT Command will continue collaborating with sister agencies, particularly the EFCC, to strengthen border security and financial crime enforcement. 

    He urged travellers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to lawful financial practices.

    The Comptroller, however, expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for creating an enabling working environment for officers and men of the Command and the entire Service, which has enhanced operational efficiency.

  • Customs seizes 70,175 litres of smuggled petrol worth N72.6m in Adamawa

    Customs seizes 70,175 litres of smuggled petrol worth N72.6m in Adamawa

    The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 70,175 litres of petrol in its latest anti-smuggling operations in Adamawa State.

    The seized fuel, packed in drums and jerry cans, was allegedly intended for smuggling into neighbouring Cameroon and has a duty-paid value of N72.6 million.

    Speaking to journalists in Yola, the Comptroller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Garba Bashir, disclosed that the seizures were made within a span of less than two weeks as part of intensified efforts to curb smuggling in the region.

    “In Adamawa and Taraba states, smugglers will not have fresh air. We have started strangling them, and we will continue to strangle and suffocate them until smuggling activities are eradicated from these states,” Bashir declared.

    Giving the breakdown of the series of anti-smuggling onslaughts, the Customs area controller revealed that on March 8, Customs operatives intercepted a Toyota Corolla at the Fufore-Gurin international border, fully loaded with petrol that was to be smuggled into a neighboring country.

    “Further intensifying its operations, the command launched a raid on March 13, acting on intelligence. Customs officers stormed the Jimeta waterside (Bakin Kogi) along the River Benue, where they uncovered a massive cache of fuel—240 drums, each containing 220 liters of petrol—intended for illegal transportation to Cameroon,” the Customs area controller said.

    He added, “In another operation on March 14, Customs officers conducted an intelligence-led raid in the Fufore-Gurin axis, seizing 425 jerry cans of petrol, each with a 25-liter capacity.

    “In total, we confiscated a staggering 70,175 liters of petrol within this short period, along with the seized vehicle.”

    He stressed that these operations have significantly disrupted the illicit fuel trade, showcasing Customs’ growing efficiency in border security enforcement as a result of enhanced intelligence gathering. 

  • Customs commits 4 percent of annual wage to CSR

    Customs commits 4 percent of annual wage to CSR

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said the organization has earmarked 4 per cent of its annual wage bill to fund its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tagged “Customs Care.”

    The Comptroller -General, Adewale Adeniyi made this known in Abuja during the launch of the “Customs Care,” said the 4 per cent is equivalent to 50 per cent of each officer’s one month salary.

    His words: “Following extensive consultations with the NCS management, I am pleased to disclose that the Service has committed to earmark approximately 4 per cent of our annual wage bill (equivalent to 50 per cent of each officer’s one month salary) to fund this initiative.”

    He said education was the first pillar of the launch at Government Secondary School (GSS), Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

    He said NCS educational support program includes adopting schools in areas of its operation following thorough selection criteria, conducting 

    comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps, and jointly prioritizing interventions in collaboration with relevant authorities.

    Read Also: Customs, Immigration, Lagos Police to boost security

    NCS , he said, provides learning materials, rehabilitate critical infrastructure, and offer scholarships to promote academic excellence and ensure no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints.

    He said the service having identified security as part of the gaps, has commissioned the installation of CCTV cameras in the school.

    He added that the NCS will also install solar-powered streetlights throughout the premises of the school.

    The Customs boss said, “This flagship project at GSS Wuse Zone 3 follows this model, where we have identified security infrastructure as the school’s priority based on consultations with authorities.

    In response, we have commissioned the installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights throughout the 

    compound, while our technical team has been tasked with renovating the school’s auditorium, in addition to providing learning materials to all students.”

    He said this first initiative represents the first of many interventions planned across NCS operational areas in Nigeria’s 6 geopolitical zones.

    He further noted that the service will adopt one school in each Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), implementing tailored programs that address the unique needs and challenges of each institution. 

    Adeniyi said, “Our selection of GSS Wuse Zone 3 to kick-start this CSR and adopt-a-school initiative is not coincidental – it stems from our historical connection as former neighbors. We felt a profound responsibility to extend this gesture to a community that once hosted and supported us during our formative years in this location. I want to emphasize that these school adoptions, including GSS Wuse Zone 3, are long-term commitments. We will continue to impact these institutions over the years, ensuring sustainable development rather than one-time interventions.

    “We have prioritized education as our initial focus because we recognize that developing human capital is fundamental to sustainable socioeconomic growth and national prosperity. 

    “Through the Customs Cares 

    Initiative, we aim to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector as well as demonstrate that NCS is committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8 priority areas.”

  • Customs, Immigration, Lagos Police to boost security

    Customs, Immigration, Lagos Police to boost security

    To enhance security and safety in Lagos, the Nigeria Customs (NCS) and Immigration Services (NIS) have pledged improved intelligence sharing and synergy with the police.

    They made the pledge during visits to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, at the command headquarters in Ikeja yesterday.

    The Customs delegation from the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command was led by Comptroller Michael Awe, while the team from the NIS’ Area B Command, Alagbon, was led by Comptroller David Adebambo.

    Read Also: State of Emergency will restore law, order in Rivers – APC

    Receiving the security chiefs, Jimoh assured them of sustained collaboration, adding that there were plans to review crime prevention strategies and all stakeholders would be carried along.

    He promised the NCS Comptroller that the command would work closely with them, providing the needed backup for the Customs command to surpass its revenue target.

    “The ease of doing business, training of personnel and we are going to ensure the synergy over time continues.

    “We are not a revenue generating agency, but we are going to give all the support to ensure the Customs command surpasses its revenue target,” Jimoh said.

    Earlier, leaders of the visiting agencies thanked the police for the various interventions rendered to their commands.

    Awe specifically commended the police for always responding to their calls whenever their operatives were in distress during operations, noting that the cooperation from the service has helped them towards delivering on their mandate.

    He revealed that the command recently intercepted firearms, ammunition, drugs, security accoutrements and other prohibited items, showing the importance of synergy in operation.

    “The purpose of the visit is to build synergy with the police and we cannot do the jobs alone.

    ”Recently, within my command at MMIA in Lagos, we seized arms, ammunition, military accountrement and hard drugs.

    “We were able to carryout 100 percent examination on goods as directed and the illegal items were discovered, suspect traced to Turkey and arrested.

    “This can only happen through synergy between agencies,” he noted. 

    Adebambo who highlighted some of the innovations introduced by the headquarters of the NIS in Abuja following acquisition of infrastructure by President Bola Tinubu, urged the Police Commissioner to assist his command with actionable intelligence to fish out irregular migrants and other aliens suspected to be criminals.

    He said the NIS had engaged in sensitization campaigns around Obalende park to educate the masses on the need to divulge information to relevant agencies, insisting that security was everyone’s business.

  • NMDPRA, NNPCL, Customs deny  petrol export to Niger Republic

    NMDPRA, NNPCL, Customs deny  petrol export to Niger Republic

    Amid speculations that Nigeria exported 300 trucks of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Niger Republic, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)  and  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  said yesterday they were oblivious of the development.

    NMDPRA’s Head of  Public Affairs George Ene-Ita, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer,  Olufemi Soneye and NCS’  Head of  Public Affairs Abdullahi Maiwada, made the denial when contacted by The Nation.

    “There are no records from any of our storage depots in the coastal areas or receiving depots further inland to show that any petroleum products have been supplied to Niger Republic,”  Ene- Ita,  said in a text message.

     While Maiwada also said Customs  has “ no record of any export of petrol to the Niger Republic,’’  Soneye simply replied: “I’m not aware.” 

    Read Also: How economic predators ganged up against Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal, by Bamidele

    A top source in Customs, a Federal Government agency, in charge of excise on export and import, said there was no way 300 trucks would cross any Nigerian border without being detected.

    ‘’How can 300 trucks laden with petrol pass through our borders without being seen? It is simply impossible,’’ he said.

    The source added that since sanction was imposed on the Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS), Customs beefed up surveillance of all its borders with Nigeria.  

    ECOWAS  slammed the sanction after Presidential Guard Commander Abdourahamane Tchiani, who proclaimed himself leader of the country in July 2023,   declined to reinstate the government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

    The Nation had earlier gathered that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Oil) has been trying to confirm the news of the export from the NMDPRA since it broke on Saturday.

    It was also learnt that the agency’s  Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed,  who would have spoken with the ministry has been on the lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

      Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) that the ministry reached out to confirm the deal said they were unaware of it.

    It was also gathered from an industry source that the OMCs saw the reported export as a deal that would open a business window for them.  

  • Customs’ Lilypond Export Command non-oil export hub

    Customs’ Lilypond Export Command non-oil export hub

    The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has emerged as a critical hub for non-oil exports, handling over 70 per cent of all export tonnage from Nigeria.

    Established solely for export purposes in 2022, the command has since become the central processing unit for sea-bound exports from the South West, especially Lagos, under a government-backed initiative to streamline export procedures and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, highlighted the command’s growth during a recent roundtable discussion in Apapa, Lagos. He explained that the transition to a centralised export command was influenced by directives from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and collaborative efforts with agencies like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

     “Due to the directive from the government through PEBEC and pressures from other government agencies like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and the Nigerian Ports Authority, there came a Memorandum of Understanding between the NPA and the customs to streamline all export processes to a command.

    “Hence, the Lilypond Export Command became the sole export command around the South West around July 2024,” Odusanya explained

    The command’s centralisation effort has also attracted the deployment of dedicated officers from various agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Agriculture Quarantine Service. This synergy has greatly improved the efficiency of the export process.

     “Before this arrangement, goods treated by NDLEA officers at Lilypond, on getting to Apapa or Tin Can, would still be stopped by other NDLEA officers. But with the synergy that we have with other government agencies, goods treated by any agency’s official at Lilypond are no longer stopped on their way to the port,” Odusanya noted.

    Read Also: Wike revokes 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent in FCT

    However, despite the significant progress made, Odusanya acknowledged that logistics issues associated with the Eto call-up system continue to hinder smooth operations. He described the system as a major bottleneck that has left many export containers stranded at Lilypond due to difficulties securing clearance for trucks to access the ports.

     “The lack of available slots for trucks to enter the ports remains a major challenge. It’s not a customs issue but a logistical one,” he explained, pointing out that congestion caused by import containers awaiting clearance exacerbates the problem.

    Between January and December 2024, he said the command processed exports valued at approximately $1.9 billion, a figure that could have been higher if the full centralisation had been implemented earlier. As of February 2025 alone, the command processed exports worth $225.1 million, which Odusanya attributed to strengthened inter-agency collaboration and improved processes.

     “The place is so sanitised and automated that export goods now move seamlessly into the port either through road or through water,” he remarked, adding that Customs officers are positioned both at port gates and jetties to ensure compliance with procedures without unnecessary delays.

    He also noted that export goods arriving from other parts of the country, including the North and even as far as Oyo State, are processed efficiently through established communication protocols with other Customs commands. Goods already examined by these commands are approved through online messages to Lilypond, allowing them unhindered access to the port.

     “Recently, I heard that some containers will be moving from Oyo State too. Our officers used to go as far as Ondo State, maybe Oyo or Osun. Some of those containers may move to the port through rail,” Odusanya said, describing the command’s partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) as critical to boosting export efficiency.

    Addressing concerns about the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form, Odusanya assured exporters of Customs’ commitment to ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while facilitating seamless trade.

    Despite the improved export processes, Odusanya emphasised the need for stakeholders, including the media, to continue sensitising exporters about the ease of processing goods through Lilypond. He maintained that Customs does not condone extortion and urged exporters to use the appropriate channels for processing their shipments.

    Looking forward, Odusanya reaffirmed the commitment of the Lilypond Export Command to supporting Nigeria’s growing export sector. “We are dedicated to ensuring efficiency in cargo movement and will continue working with relevant stakeholders to address emerging challenges,” he stated.