Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported a substantial surge in goods export, reaching an impressive N489.2 billion in 2023. This marks a significant increase from the previous year and underscores the port’s pivotal role in facilitating trade.
Area Comptroller Dera Nnadi disclosed this achievement during a news conference held in Lagos, attributing the success to the relentless efforts of the Enforcement and Anti-smuggling Unit. The unit’s dedication resulted in 96 detentions and 47 seizures, contributing to the remarkable growth in export figures.
The goods exported through the Tincan Island Port in 2023 amounted to a substantial 623,694.7 metric tonnes, boasting a total Free on-board (FOB) value of N489.2 billion. In a FOB agreement, the seller covers the cost of transporting goods to the port and loading them onto the ship, with the buyer assuming responsibility for subsequent aspects such as transportation, insurance, and unloading.
Comptroller Nnadi highlighted the commendable growth, stating, “This is an impressive growth with a notable increase of 85.5% in tonnage and 101.9% increase in FOB value when compared to the year 2022.”
The products exported through the Tincan Island Port encompassed a diverse range, including agricultural products like cocoa, Soya beans, cashew nuts, Sesame seeds, and Hibiscus flower. Locally manufactured goods such as cosmetics, hair attachments, indomie noodles, beverages, cigarettes, and insecticides were also part of the export portfolio. Additionally, mineral resources like lithium ore, tin ore, fluorite ore, aluminium ingots, and lead ingots contributed to the thriving export activities.
Discussing the seizures made during the year, Comptroller Nnadi revealed the interception of various illicit goods, including 1,264 packages of hemp weighing 473.50kg valued at N118.4 million. These were concealed in multiple containers involved in eight separate seizures. Other seized items ranged from used clothing, fridges, matches, and tomato paste to unregistered pharmaceutical products, bulk charcoal, arms, ammunition, and military wears.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items, including narcotics, amounted to N47.4 million, with a total DPV reaching N3.2 billion. The enforcement unit’s vigilant efforts also resulted in the examination of a significant volume of containers, totaling 50,297 from January to December 2023. This included 15,289 20ft containers, 34,557 40ft containers, and 451 45ft containers.
Importantly, the port played a vital role in facilitating trade in vehicles, with 1,430 new vehicles and 434 used ones imported during the period. In terms of revenue generation, the enforcement unit’s initiatives led to demand notices totaling N210.8 million.
The Tincan Island Port’s remarkable achievements in 2023 highlight its crucial role in enhancing trade and economic activities, contributing to Nigeria’s overall economic growth.
