Controller Aribiyi Calls for a dedicated Customs export Department, says neglect of exports weakened the Naira

By Ebenezer William

The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Aribiyi, has called for the creation of a stand-alone export department in the Nigeria Customs Service, insisting that export operations should no longer be merged under Tariff and Trade.

He made the call on Friday, November 28, 2025, while addressing members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) during a courtesy visit to the command.

Aribiyi said the long-term neglect of exports was a major factor behind Nigeria’s economic decline and the depreciation of the Naira, stressing that the country once thrived on the strength of export-driven revenue.

“Export is supposed to have a department in Customs. It is not supposed to be merged under Tariff and Trade”, he stated.

He argued that Nigeria’s past prosperity, when the Naira was stronger than the pound and dollar, was built on robust export activities such as cocoa, rubber and other agricultural products.

The Controller disclosed that since he assumed office nearly three months ago, the value and volume of exports processed through the Lillypond Command had significantly increased, contributing to the recent strengthening of the Naira.

“When I came, the dollar was about ₦1,600. Now it is around ₦1,300. The value of exports increased. The volume increased with seamless processing,” he noted.

Aribiyi attributed the improvement to continuous stakeholder engagement, training of agents, and the integration of the B’odogwu Customs platform, which has now automated gate-pass and exit operations for exports.

The controller said “We have generated exit and gate-pass through the Customs B’odogwu platform. It has never happened in exports. Now we have seamless processing”.

Controller Ariyibi lamented that Nigeria had turned into a “dumping ground” for imports, weakening the Naira and discouraging local production. He said the nation must return to its export-driven roots.

“We neglected export and embraced importation, even toothpicks. That is why the Naira collapsed. Export is the only vehicle that can fuel our economy again,” he said.

He further argued that many items currently exported as raw materials could fetch higher revenue if substantially transformed before export, urging Nigerian producers to develop value-added products such as processed foods, canned beef, cigarettes from tobacco leaves, and other refined commodities.

Aribiyi highlighted Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and questioned why local industries were not exploiting them for high-value exports. He “What stops us from turning cow to corned beef? What stops us from adding value to our natural products? People abroad prefer items sourced from Nigeria”.

He specifically emphasised that promoting value-added exports would not only boost revenue but restore Nigeria to economic glory.

The Controller praised the structure he met at the command and assured stakeholders of continuous reforms to enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness. “Whether I stay long or not, there will be good news about exports. The reforms have started already,” he assured.

He said the command operates under the World Customs Organisation’s “World-Top Shortcut” model, which prioritises zero disturbance and seamless movement of cargo.

Comptroller Aribiyi reaffirmed Customs’ central role in balancing Nigeria’s import-export data and safeguarding the economy. He insisted that reviving export culture and elevating export operations within Customs are essential steps toward stabilising the Naira and restoring Nigeria’s economic strength.

Earlier in his remarks, President of MAJAN, Mr Jerry Aguigbo, said the association’s publisher of Powerful Pen Newspaper, had been active for over 10 years in maritime reporting and advocacy.

He said MAJAN seeks stronger collaboration with the command, noting that the association’s commitment to promoting professionalism and reportage that supports national economic growth.