The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has identified inadequate logistics and limited shipping capacity as major constraints that must be addressed if Nigeria is to significantly increase the volume of exports and reduce its dependence on imports.
Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, raised the concern on Wednesday when the executives of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) visited the command.
Salako said the command had continued to record growth in export traffic, particularly manufactured goods, but noted that logistical difficulties could undermine the gains being made in the export sector.
He identified competition for available shipping space between export and import cargo as one of the challenges confronting exporters, explaining that export consignments could be delayed when space was occupied by imported cargo awaiting discharge.
The controller said the development underscored the need for Nigeria to build stronger shipping and logistics capacity that would give locally produced goods more efficient access to international markets. He urged major businesses and exporters with the necessary licences and capacity to consider direct shipping arrangements, saying this could provide an alternative means of moving Nigerian products overseas without relying entirely on existing arrangements.
Salako also encouraged exporters to collaborate in organising shipments and developing logistics solutions, noting that collective arrangements could help increase export volumes and improve the efficiency of cargo movement. He said the issue had become particularly important with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which could provide a wider market for Nigerian products if the country was able to move its exports efficiently.
Beyond logistics, Salako said Nigeria needed to deliberately increase both the volume and value of its exports, stressing that economic growth could not be sustained through heavy dependence on imported goods.
He said stronger export performance would improve the country’s balance of trade, create employment and expand opportunities for businesses while contributing to broader economic growth. He also urged greater collaboration between Customs and maritime journalists, describing the media as an important link between developments in the sector and the wider public.
Salako said effective reporting of export opportunities, reforms and developments could encourage more businesses to venture into international trade and help deepen public understanding of the sector.
Responding, MARCON President Ismail Aniemu said sustained expansion of Nigeria’s export sector could generate employment, strengthen the economy and support greater stability of the naira over the next five years.
Aniemu commended the Lilypond Export Command for its efforts to promote export activities and assured the Customs management of MARCON’s support for initiatives aimed at improving export efficiency and sustaining growth.
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