NIGERIA – Nigeria’s exports in agricultural products including cashew nuts, biscuits, cocoa butter, sesame seeds, frozen shrimps, biscuits and others were estimated to be worth US$81.02 million between January and March 2018, a 558.46% increase compared to the same period in 2017.
ThisDayLive reported the increase in agricultural commodities which stood at 45,462 tonnes was as a result of government initiatives to ease business and emphasis on agricultural commodities.
According to Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Musa Abdullahi, agriculture products export was responsible for 38, 517 metric tons with FOB value of US$62.36 million while processed and manufactured goods exported was 6,945 metric tons valued at US$18.65 million.
“We have made some gains in the 48 hours’ cargo clearance time.
Some categories of goods are being cleared from the customs zone within six hours,” said Musa.
He said general improvement in compliance with laid down standard operating procedures including voluntary compliance was significant in reducing on interventions needed to clear export goods.
Also, the process was enhanced through transparent operations made possible by automation of cargo examination and assignment process where examination officers are assigned examination automatically.
“As part of the specific gains with the implementation we have the biometric system and introduction of a one stop shop, which will enable treatment of declarations of valuations, classification and other related clearance issues/queries.
In the meantime, the renovation of the space for the one stop shop is in progress,” he added.
