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Nigeria’s export profile surges amidst increased export activities at Lilypond command 

Comptroller Odusanya
– as  Export terminal records $1.59b in export value six months
– processes 27,721 export containers
Funso OLOJO
The government measures to boost export drive in the country have started to yield desired results as Lilypond Export command(LEXC), one of the exports dedicated terminals in the country, recorded $1.59 billion worth of export value in the first six months of 2025.
In the same veins, the exports dedicated terminal for the South West exporters, processed 27,721 export containers within the period under review.
Reeling out the cheering statistics on the half- year performance of the command from January to June, 2025, the Controller of Lilypond Export command (LEXC), Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, revealed that the command recorded an appreciable rise in export activities within the period under review.
According to him, the $1.59billion export value recorded during the period was an increase of $ 420.9millon over the $1.16 billion recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.
This , according to Comptroller Odusanya, the increase represents a growth rate of approximately 36 percent.
Comptroller Odusanya, who was speaking with journalists on Thursday, June 31st, 2025, further disclosed that the 27,721 export containers processed by the command within the period under review were 18, 283 export containers above the 9,438 containers handled during the corresponding period in 2024, which he said translated to a 200 percent growth in container throughput.
Similarly, the command realized  the sum of N318.775 million on the 2.5 percent export surcharge within the period under review, an amount that was N270.9 million increase over the N47.85 million recorded within the corresponding period in 2014.
The LEXC Controller also disclosed that agricultural produce has continued to remained the leading exports with a total value of $966.7 million, which was an increase of N677.9 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024 put at $288.8 million.
Taging behind the agricultural produce were manufactured goods as the command processed N2.08 billion worth of this category of goods within the period under review.
This amount represents a massive increase of N1.913 billion when compared with the N170.122 million processed within the corresponding period in 2024.
Under the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme(NESS), which mandates statutory fees on all legitimate goods exported from Nigeria, the command collected $12,127,606,928 in the first half of 2025.
Comptroller Odusanya attributed the impressive achievements of the command during the period under review to the continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders as well as the support of the management of the Customs led by the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Odusanya further disclosed that B’ Odogwu has finally taken off at the command, a development he said has led to seamless export operations in the terminal.
He was optimistic that with the take -off of the indigenous trade platform at the command, LEXC will record greater success in its operations in the months ahead.
Odusanya also said the consolidation of all previous export commands into dedicated commands has helped to push up export activities in LEXC.
He further declared that all the previous problems militating again smooth export operations in the command have been resolved.
Comptroller Odusanya was optimistic to surpass the target given to the command this year given the present robust tragectory on which the export terminal is presently operating.
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Customs

At UNILORIN conference, Adeniyi advocates for human- driven technology for balanced developmental efforts

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
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‎The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation driven governance during his keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.
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‎The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” was held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium.
The event attracted academics, communication experts, technology professionals, researchers, policymakers, and heads of government agencies to deliberate on the growing influence of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, education, trade, and economic development.
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‎In his address, CGC Adeniyi stressed the importance of balancing technological advancement with human responsibility, noting that the future of the digital economy depends not only on artificial intelligence but also on ethics, leadership, and institutional capacity.
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‎“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” Adeniyi stated.
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‎He observed that disruptive technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart systems have already reshaped global operations, adding that the world is no longer preparing for disruption but actively functioning within it.
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‎According to him, government institutions must ensure that technological innovation strengthens transparency, public trust, and operational efficiency without compromising accountability.
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‎Drawing from the Nigeria Customs Service’s experience, the CGC highlighted ongoing digital transformation initiatives, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, which has significantly improved trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.
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‎He disclosed that the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders have been reduced to less than eight hours.
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‎“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said, adding that technology delivers optimal results when guided by strong institutional values and ethical standards.
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‎Adeniyi further noted that although artificial intelligence enhances efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remain indispensable to effective governance and enforcement.
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‎“Technology changes processes  leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.
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‎The CGC also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and public agencies to develop practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges.
He urged academic institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and play a more active role in innovation and policy development.
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‎He identified areas where academia can support Customs modernisation efforts, including digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk management, public trust communication strategies, and the governance of cross border data flows.
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‎Adeniyi further advocated for the development of digital governance frameworks tailored to African realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities, emphasising that technological advancement must remain accountable to the people it serves.
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‎On the sidelines of the conference,the CGC engaged with heads of government agencies, scholars, communication professionals, traditional rulers, and institutional leaders on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, research, community development, and capacity building.
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Customs

Oshoba, Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The Area Controller emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.

“Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.

He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.

The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

Highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding Officers and Units for exemplary service.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while Officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among Officers and Units of the Command.

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Customs

PTML donates smart office complex to Customs for enhanced performance 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island port, has demonstrated a rare commitment to the welfare and well being of the officers of the PTML command of the Nigeria Customs Service when the terminal operator donated a new fully furnished office complex with modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) facilities to enhance their operations and boost their efficiency.
While handling the smart office complex to the management of the command on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, the Managing Director of  PTML), Mr Ascanio Russo, described the project as a clear demonstration of PTML’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service and ensuring that officers operate in an environment that promotes efficiency, professionalism and productivity.
According to him, the new office complex reflects PTML’s broader vision of fostering stronger institutional partnerships that will ultimately benefit port users and the Nigerian economy.
“This project symbolises our enduring partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service and our collective determination to improve operational standards at the port.
“We promised to provide additional offices to Customs, to complement the existing offices, and today we are proud to fulfil that commitment with a facility designed to provide a modern, comfortable and highly functional workspace for officers.
“We firmly believe that when regulatory agencies are provided with the right work environment and support, they are better positioned to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.
“This new modern facility will undoubtedly enhance productivity, strengthen operational effectiveness and contribute significantly to the seamless movement of cargo and trade facilitation at the terminal,” Russo stated.
He further commended officers and men of the PTML Command for their dedication, professionalism and consistent efforts in sustaining cargo throughput and boosting government revenue generation despite operational challenges.
Receiving the new office complex on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, expressed deep appreciation to the management of PTML for delivering the project, which he described as timely and impactful.
Comptroller Anani noted that a conducive working environment remains critical to the effectiveness, morale and overall performance of officers, stressing that the newly renovated complex would greatly enhance administrative efficiency and operational coordination within the Command.
“This is truly a dream come true for us. I was informed that this project had been in the pipeline for quite some time, so witnessing its successful completion during my tenure gives me immense satisfaction and joy.
“PTML has demonstrated genuine commitment, responsibility and partnership through this laudable gesture.
“A modern workplace like this has a direct impact on the efficiency and motivation of officers.
“This facility will undoubtedly improve our operational capacity, create a better working atmosphere and support our mandate of facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
” We sincerely appreciate PTML for honouring this promise and for continuously supporting the activities of the Command,” Anani said.
Industry stakeholders at the event noted that the development will contribute positively to faster cargo clearance procedures, improved administrative processes and stronger synergy between terminal operators and regulatory authorities, all of which are essential to achieving greater efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
PTML, which is Nigeria’s leading roll-on roll-off terminal, is widely recognised for handling vehicle and container imports as well as providing integrated logistics and terminal services.
 The terminal has continued to play a strategic role in supporting Nigeria’s maritime trade through its significant investments in infrastructure, operational efficiency and technology-driven cargo handling processes aimed at improving port productivity and reducing cargo dwell time.
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