Customs records 95.3% growth in non-oil exports via Tin Can port

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) command has reported a 95.3 per cent increase in non-oil exports in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period last year.

Specifically, the volume of non-oil exports, primarily agricultural and other allied products like cocoa butter, cocoa beans, and cashew nuts, escalated to 251,679.89 metric tonnes in the reviewed period from 145,906.33 metric tonnes in 2023.

Additionally, the Free On Board (FOB) value of these exports saw an impressive surge, increasing over 300 per cent from N80.9 billion in 2023 to N287.7 billion in 2024.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Dera Nnadi, disclosed these figures during a brief meeting with deputy and assistant comptrollers and unit heads.

The meeting, which took place yesterday, addressed challenges and strategies aimed at meeting the revenue target for April and subsequent months.

Nnadi also highlighted that the command exceeded its first-quarter revenue target by 139 per cent, collecting N303.9 billion as opposed to N126.8 billion during the same period in 2023.

The monthly breakdown showed significant increases of N88.4 billion in January up 107.9 per cent from N42.5 billion in 2023, N100.4 billion in February up 141.8 per cent from N41.5 billion, and N115.1 billion in March up 163.9 per cent from N42.8 billion.

On enforcement and anti-smuggling efforts, Nnadi noted the command’s rigorous approach, including 100 per cent physical examinations at the port in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure compliance with international trade standards.

Notable seizures include 57 packets of heroin weighing 56.390 kilogrammes with a street value of N902 million and 3,612 packets of Colorado Indica weighing 956.772 kilograms valued at N4 billion.

The CAC said these illicit drugs have been handed over to the appropriate sister agencies as per directives.

Regarding infrastructure, Nnadi mentioned that activities at newly established terminals at TCIP have commenced, aiming to create a level playing field for importers and stakeholders by decongesting the ports.

He also discussed stakeholder engagement, noting that in recent months, the command has hosted various sections of stakeholders’ forums, including shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and security agencies.