The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has intercepted and seized 11 containers of unprocessed timber intended for illegal export.
The operation, carried out on November 1, 2024, followed a tip-off and subsequent physical examination of the consignment.
During a press briefing at the APMT, Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, explained that the export of raw timber is prohibited under Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff (CET).
“We are resolute in not sacrificing compliance on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will always prevent the export of any consignment that conflicts with the laws of our country,” Odusanya stated.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to curbing illegal exports and protecting the country’s natural resources.
While the law permits the export of processed wood, he stressed that the export of raw timber remains strictly prohibited.
“The government, in its wisdom, placed this item under prohibition. Apart from the climatic implications, the labour that some Nigerians could be employed to do here is being exported to other countries,” he added.
The controller further disclosed that investigations are ongoing in collaboration with the Federal Department of Forestry.
He assured that those responsible for the attempted illegal export would be brought to justice.
Ibitayo Abimbola, who represented the Director of the Federal Department of Forestry, Hajara Sami, praised the collaborative efforts of Customs Enforcement and highlighted the urgent need for continued vigilance to safeguard Nigeria’s natural resources.
