Compt. Ariyibi Calls For Revival of Nigeria’s Export Sector, Shares recent Gains At Lilypond Export Command
…hosts MAJAN, Unveils Gains, Reforms
By Success Okezie
The Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel O. Ariyibi, says Nigeria must retrace its steps and return to its historic culture of strong export trade if the nation intends to restore the value of the Naira and rebuild economic stability.
He made the declaration on Friday, November 28, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) to his command.
Ariyibi, who described the Nigeria Customs Service as “a father that has given birth to many children,” stressed that all bonded terminals, agents, and export operators function under Customs licensing and oversight. He noted that exporters, terminal operators and even maritime journalists form part of a larger ecosystem that must work together to grow national revenue and strengthen Nigeria’s trading position.
On export: he said was optimistic that Nigeria’s lost Glory must be recovered.
The Controller lamented that Nigeria once had a powerful currency—stronger than Dollar and Pounds—due to robust export activities. He cited historical achievements of the Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, built largely from proceeds of cocoa and other agricultural products.
“Naira was more powerful than pounds. Export made Nigeria great,” he said. “Oil boom came and we neglected export. We turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for imports—even toothpick.”
Ariyibi warned that excessive importation weakens the Naira due to poor trade balance and inflationary pressure adding that Customs’ statutory function of generating statistical data for the economy can only be accurate when export volume increases.
On Lilypond’s achievements, the Controller expressed excitement,
“Exports are rising, Naira is gaining, systems are working”.
He disclosed that within his first three months at Lilypond Export Command, the volume and value of exports have risen significantly.
According to him, the exchange rate improved from ₦1,600/$ to ₦1,399/$, reflecting the impact of increased export activities.
He attributed the gains to reforms initiated by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, including the introduction of the Bodogu export processing system, seamless documentation, and improved operational transparency.
“Within this short period, we have generated exits and gate-passes that never existed before in the export system. Today, documentation is seamless. The volume is increasing and there is no turning back,” he said.
Comptroller Ariyibi also commended his officers—whom he did not replace upon assuming office—saying they are “brilliant, effective, and committed to building the command.”
On reviving local industries and adding values, Ariyibi emphasised that Nigeria must stop exporting raw materials alone and instead embark on substantial processing and value addition to increase revenue.
“Your cow can become corned beef. Cocoa can become chocolate here. Tobacco leaves can become cigarettes. We must transform our products before exporting.”
He condemned the practice where Nigeria exports raw cocoa and re-imports finished chocolate, describing it as economic waste.
The Controller also said Customs would soon begin community-level outreach to farmers and local manufacturers to teach them how to strengthen export quality, packaging and processing.
On Advocacy for a Stand-Alone Department of Export, Ariyibi argued that Nigeria Customs must restore Export to a full-fledged department, rather than merging it under Tariff and Trade, which primarily focuses on importation.
“Export should stand on its own, headed by a DCG. It is our glory. It is what will restore the economy.”
He added that the improvement recorded at Lilypond should serve as evidence to policymakers that export deserves independent priority attention.
Commitment, Integrity and Service
The Controller also reminded the journalists of his record of integrity, recalling his celebrated rejection of a ₦50 million bribe during his service at Tin Can Port Command—a feat for which the Comptroller-General awarded him.
“It is not about money. It is about serving Nigeria. I am happy working here and I have no regrets.”
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Export
Ariyibi concluded that the Lilypond Export Command is now a model of seamless processing, automation, collaboration, and improved documentation. He assured MAJAN that continuous progress would be made under his leadership.
“The good news has started already. There is no turning back. Nigeria will rise again through export.”
Earlier,the president of Maritime journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) Mr Jerry Agugbo, expressed satisfaction with the steady improvements in export operations at the Lilypond Export Customs Command, Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, the President of MAJAN, Mr. Jerry Agugbo, said the association had closely followed the activities of the Command and was impressed with its role in advancing Nigeria’s shift toward a more export-driven economy.
Aguigbo noted that as the country continues to move away from an import-dependent structure, the work being done at the Lilypond Export Command has become “key to achieving a more sustainable and correct economic balance. We have seen a lot of improvements here, we also understand the importance of export commodities to the growth of the national economy, and what you are doing at this Command is very crucial. That is why we felt it was necessary to come here—to hear from you directly and to help propagate your achievements to the public.”
Aguigbo emphasized that MAJAN’s mandate goes beyond reporting activities within the maritime sector. The association, he said, also serves as a bridge between industry operators and the public, carrying feedback from both sides to foster better understanding and accountability.
“As journalists, our job is to hear from your side and communicate it accurately to the public, while also bringing the concerns of the public back to you,” he explained.
Aguigbo further highlighted MAJAN’s involvement in advocacy and public education, noting that the association publishes The Powerful Pen, an online maritime newspaper. He explained that the high cost and complexity of physical print production in recent times had pushed the association to focus more on digital platforms, adding that MAJAN has been active in the industry for over a decade, “doing the tankless job” of promoting transparency and growth in the maritime sector, and expressed the association’s desire for closer collaboration with the Command.
“We have been around for over 10 years, doing what we know best. We would also like to be closer to you because we know the kind of person you are,” he said while appreciating the warm reception accorded the team.
The visit formed part of MAJAN’s strategic engagements aimed at strengthening partnerships with key maritime institutions and enhancing reportage on export-related activities.
