Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has assured exporters that processing of goods at the Lilypond Export Processing Terminal (EPT) is now seamless, significantly reducing delays and boosting non-oil exports.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Lilypond Export Command, disclosed this while addressing members of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at the International Press Centre, Apapa.
He noted that his command can process exports within a few hours, but challenges persist in transporting containers to Apapa Port due to traffic gridlock on internal access roads.
“Processing time has improved remarkably, but moving export containers from Lilypond to Apapa Port remains a challenge because priority is given to clearing import containers,” Odusanya explained.
However, he assured that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and APM Terminals are actively working to resolve port congestion and improve logistics.
“The NPA has contributed significantly to export facilitation by creating the Electronic Call-up System (ETO) and EPTs at the ports, but the internal port access roads would need more attention to clear up for seamless movement of export containers into the ports for outward shipping,” Comptroller Odusanya said.
Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCS and NPA in July 2024, Lilypond Command became Nigeria’s dedicated export processing terminal. This has led to faster clearance, with about $2 billion worth of goods processed between July and December 2024. In February 2025 alone, the terminal processed $225 million in exports.
Odusanya attributed the efficiency to collaboration with key agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the quarantine service.
“With all these agencies stationed at Lilypond, exports are no longer delayed by multiple checks at Apapa or Tin Can ports. Once cleared at Lilypond, the only further check at the port gate is by Customs officers, except in cases of security alerts,” he said.
Despite the gains, Odusanya raised concerns about logistics bottlenecks, stressing the need for sustained efforts to prevent a return to past congestion issues.
“If you visit Lilypond, you’ll see many containers ready for export, but trucks struggle to access the ports even after obtaining their electronic call-up (ETO). The sight of lined-up trucks waiting to enter Apapa Port is worrisome,” he noted.
He called on the NPA and terminal operators to ensure that the port access roads remain clear for smooth export movement.