Lilypond Command, NAQS Deepen Collaboration to Safeguard Export Integrity
By Gift Wada
In line with its commitment to fostering institutional synergy for enhanced trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has reiterated its readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), particularly in regulating agro-export processes.
This reaffirmation was made on Tuesday, 25 June 2025, when the Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, received in audience the Zonal Coordinator, South-West Zone of NAQS, Joy Ichue, during a courtesy visit to the Command in Lagos.
The visit is part of NAQS’s broader efforts to build stronger operational ties with the NCS and address critical issues within the agricultural export value chain.
In her remarks, Joy Ichue, who led the NAQS delegation, highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that all agricultural exports meet international standards and regulatory benchmarks. She was accompanied by Opiu Jeremiah, Staff Officer to the Comptroller-General of NAQS, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the NAQS leadership.
Jeremiah expressed concern over recurring cases of infractions, including the unauthorised breaking and replacement of container seals and the proliferation of falsified export documents by unlicensed agents. He called for closer inter-agency coordination to curb such practices and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s agricultural exports.
In response, Comptroller Odusanya welcomed the delegation and lauded NAQS for the proactive visit. He assured them of the Command’s firm dedication to professionalism, compliance enforcement, and seamless inter-agency collaboration in line with the Service’s strategic mandate of facilitating legitimate trade, ensuring export quality assurance, and contributing to national economic development.
He emphasised that the Lilypond Export Command remains a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s export drive and is committed to working hand-in-hand with relevant regulatory agencies to streamline procedures, ensure adherence to international standards, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products in the global market.
