The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has joined forces with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to launch five Export Processing Terminals (EPTs).
This effort was unveiled during an enlightening workshop hosted by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in partnership with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Lagos.
Mohammed Babadende, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Lilypond Export Command, disclosed that these newly established EPTs, namely Diamond Star, Esslibra, Bellington Cargo, Tenzik Energy, and Sundail Terminal, have been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the stuffing, examination, and documentation processes for non-oil exports.
Mr. Babadende emphasized the remarkable positive impact of these terminals, citing a significant reduction in export processing delays and increased efficiency due to the consolidation of various agencies in one location.
This according to Mr. Babadende has alleviated congestion both on access roads to the port and within the port terminals, fostering a more streamlined and cost-effective export process.
Notably, export cargoes can now access the ports for loading onto awaiting vessels within just 48 hours, while efforts to reduce vessel turnaround times are underway in collaboration with shipping lines.
This coordinated approach is expected to minimize shipping costs, mitigate rejection and return of goods due to delays, and eliminate the problem of pilfering of export boxes along port corridors, thereby enhancing the overall non-oil export ecosystem.
