Business
Customs, Exporters Unite To Remove Port Bottlenecks
address operational challenges affecting export activities
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, and the Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) have moved to strengthen collaboration to address operational challenges affecting export activities at ports and Export Processing Terminals (EPTs).
According to a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Olusola Oke, on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, the development formed part of discussions during a courtesy visit by the association to the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi.
The AWAEMAP delegation, led by its Chairman, Nofiu Inaolaji, the General Secretary, Abdulateef Adekoya, and other members, highlighted several bottlenecks affecting export operations and sought Customs intervention to improve efficiency along the export value chain.
Adekoya said the association was concerned about operational difficulties at Export Processing Terminals and ports, noting that addressing the issues would further enhance trade facilitation and support non-oil exports.
The delegation also requested a capacity-building workshop to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of export procedures and regulatory requirements.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ariyibi, commended the steady rise in the volume and value of non-oil exports processed through the Command, while reaffirming the Service’s commitment to seamless trade facilitation.
Ariyibi disclosed that ongoing efforts were underway to engage the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and key stakeholders to find lasting solutions to recurring export challenges.
The Customs Area Controller further assured the delegation of plans to convene a broader stakeholders’ engagement to address recurring concerns within the export sector.
He also approved the association’s request for a workshop and directed the Command’s Public Relations Unit to liaise with relevant stakeholders to organise the programme.
