The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has attributed the persistent delay in export cargo movement at the command to logistics issues associated with the Nigerian Port Authority’s Eto call-up system, rather than any bottlenecks from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Eto call- up system is a structured movement of container- laden trucks into the terminals meant to decongest Port access road and facilitate quick goods clearance at the port.

It was developed by the NPA and driven by a private company.

However, Comptroller Odusanya, speaking at a Roundtable with members of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN),emphasized that while the command has streamlined the export process,  lack of available slots for trucks to enter the ports remains a major challenge.

 He noted that despite the command’s efforts, numerous containers remain stranded at Lilypond due to the inability of trucks to secure clearance under the Eto system.

He explained that prior to the implementation of a centralized export processing system, multiple customs units across Apapa, Tin Can, PTML, and Lekki ports handled export documentation.

However, in July 2024, the government directed the full centralization of all export processes under the Lilypond Export Command.

This move, driven by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and backed by agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was aimed at streamlining operations and reducing multiple checkpoints.

Odusanya revealed that between January and December 2024, the command processed exports valued at approximately $1.9 billion, a figure that could have been higher if the consolidation had occurred earlier in the year.

He added that in February 2025 alone, the command facilitated exports worth $225.1 million.

He attributed these successes to inter-agency collaboration, with Customs working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and quarantine services, among others.

Despite the improved export facilitation, Odusanya acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly with the Eto call-up system, which has created logistical constraints.

 He explained that export containers often get delayed at Lilypond not due to customs processes but because of congestion at the ports, caused by import containers awaiting clearance.

He pointed out that while Apapa remains the busiest port for exports, the congestion problem is less severe at Tin Can due to the presence of an export processing terminal.

On the issue of the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form, Odusanya stated that the command has ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements.

 He, however, acknowledged exporters’ concerns about the process and assured that Customs is working to facilitate seamless trade while ensuring adherence to financial regulations.

He urged maritime stakeholders, including the media, to continue sensitizing exporters on the ease of processing export goods through Lilypond, emphasizing that the command operates transparently and does not condone extortion.

He reiterated that officers at the entry points are strictly there to verify processed cargo and not to serve as an additional checkpoint.

Odusanya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Lilypond Export Command to supporting Nigeria’s growing export sector, ensuring efficiency in cargo movement, and addressing any emerging challenges in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The Court has ordered the forfeiture of a total sum of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) which the officers of the Nigeria customs service intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The seizure was made recently during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight No. SV401 from Saudi Arabia.

During the physical examination of the passenger’s luggage conducted by

NCS Officers, the undeclared currency was discovered concealed within palm-date fruit packs locally referred to as Dabino.

This interception aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing financial regulations and preventing illicit financial flows across Nigeria’s borders.

In line with established procedures, the suspect and the seized foreign

currency have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and necessary legal action.

 Subsequently, the court convicted the defendant as charged and ordered the forfeiture of the undeclared money to the Federal Government in line with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

The Service reiterates that all travelers must comply with Nigeria’s financial
regulations, particularly the legal requirement to declare any cash or negotiable instruments exceeding the approved threshold when traveling in or out of the country.

The Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, provide clear guidelines on currency declaration.

Non-compliance with these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigerian law and attracts severe penalties.

 The Service, therefore, urges the public to adhere strictly to these requirements to avoid legal consequences.

Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, the NCS remains resolute in its enforcement efforts to combat smuggling, illicit financial transactions, and other trans-border crimes.

 This latest seizure highlights the Service’s unwavering dedication to protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

The NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and
stakeholders to strengthen border security, enhance compliance with financial laws, and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.

Travelers and stakeholders in the financial sector are advised to remain vigilant and always adhere to lawful financial practices.

In a bid to reduce corruption and diversion of cargo in transit, the Nigeria Customs Service has decided to automate and integrate the transire system into the new Odogwu Cargo clearance platform.

Towards this, the Service has commenced the training of officers and stakeholders on the use and functionality of the automated transire system on Odogwu.

The training, which was held at the Apapa Command, was in two sessions for the Customs officers, terminal operators, bonded terminal operators, freight forwarders and barge operators.

The training sessions were attended by the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) and Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Charles Orbih, who represented Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller General of ICT, Zanna Gaji, who represented the Deputy Comptroller General of Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, the Area Controllers of Apapa, Tin Can Island and PTML.

ACG Orbih  described the automated transit process as more than just a technological upgrade, saying it a strategic shift designed to place Nigeria at the forefront of global trade efficiency.

 According to him, the system will revolutionize customs operations by reducing the time and complexity involved in cargo clearance, minimizing the risk of cargo diversion, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Orbih highlighted key objectives of the initiative, noting that automation would significantly speed up customs clearance by reducing bottlenecks, shortening clearance times, and providing faster access to goods.

He pointed out that with the introduction of real-time tracking, the risk of cargo diversion or loss would be minimized, thereby boosting confidence among stakeholders.

“The system would bring greater transparency and accountability by eliminating manual processes and ensuring that every shipment is monitored from departure to arrival.

“This, in turn, would limit opportunities for corruption and errors while fostering trust between Customs and its trade partners”

The ACG  further noted that aligning with international best practices through automation would enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a global trade destination.

“Beyond efficiency, the system is expected to reduce operational costs, improve revenue collection, enhance border security, and combat smuggling by providing customs officers with real-time insights into cargo movements.

” By removing manual processes and introducing automated checks,the system would strengthen accountability and transparency while allowing importers and logistics companies to track their shipments in real time.” Orbih declared.

He further disclosed the importance of collaboration in ensuring a smooth transition to the new system while calling on stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation process, provide feedback, and contribute their expertise to refine and optimize the system.

 The Zonal Co- Ordinator further reiterated that the success of the Automated Transire System Process will depend on collective efforts and cooperation between Customs officers, logistics operators, and other stakeholders in the trade ecosystem.

Assistant Comptroller General of ICT, Z. M. Gaji, described the automation of transire processes as a game-changer for customs operations in Nigeria.

He noted that the training was structured into two sessions: one for desk officers who would be directly managing the system and another for stakeholders to familiarize them with the new process.

 According to Gaji, the new system was developed in-house by Customs ICT officers, rather than external service providers, ensuring that it is tailored to Nigeria’s specific trade environment.

Gaji emphasized the major benefits of automation, including a significant reduction in clearance times, enhanced transparency in customs procedures, improved revenue collection through better monitoring, and minimized opportunities for corruption.

He further explained that the system would provide a robust tracking and monitoring mechanism for improved trade management, thereby fostering a more predictable and efficient trade environment.

Before full deployment, Gaji explained that the NCS would adopt a phased approach, including extensive stakeholder engagement, a user acceptance test (UAT), and a pilot rollout at selected locations.

He stressed the importance of these steps in refining the system and ensuring that it meets operational realities and industry needs.

The ICT guru encouraged stakeholders to actively engage in the process, provide insights, and contribute to discussions that would help optimize the system before its nationwide implementation.

Feedbacks were received from the participants by the facilitators of the training sessions who promised to relay their suggestions, fears and observations on the automated transire system to the Customs management.