The Lilypond Export Command of Nigeria Customs Service
has a remarkable growth in the value exports processed in the first quarter of 2026 amounting to $925,844,469.84 reflecting a 38.68% percent increase compared to $667,597,082.65 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Making this known last Thursday, Customs Area Controller of the Command,, Comptroller SO Ariyibi, emphasized the critical role export trade plays in Nigeria’s economy.
According to Comptroller Ariyibi, monthly performance within the quarter showed mixed trends when compared to the penultimate year 2025.
A breakdown of the quarterly record showed poor export performance in January 2026, declining by 1.12%, amounting to $267.66 million compared to $270.70 million in January 2025. However, in February exports picked with an increase of 12.43% from $225.13 million in February 2025 to $253.12 million in February 2026.
March 2026 also witnessed a significant increase of 135.83%, with export value rising to $425.48 million from $171.76 million in March 2025.
Container throughput similarly recorded remarkable growth as the Command processed 19,014 export containers in Q1 2026, representing an increase of 9,292 containers or 95.58% over the 9,722 containers handled in the corresponding period of 2025.
The Controller noted that export promotes foreign exchange earnings, drives economic diversification, and contributes significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. “While crude oil remains dominant, non-oil exports comprising agricultural produce, solid minerals, and manufactured goods are vital for mitigating external shocks, creating employment, and stabilising the national currency, the Naira,” he stated.
He said, agricultural exports increased from $523.26 million in Q1 2025 to $608.46 million in Q1 2026, indicating a growth of $85.20 million, which reflects a steady and encouraging growth trajectory.
Export value rose significantly from $93.48 million in Q1 2025 to $297.36 million in Q1 2026, representing an increase of $203.88 million (Two Hundred and Three Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand USD). This underscores the sector’s emergence as a key driver of economic diversification.
Export surcharge collections (2.5%) increased to ₦199.36 million (One Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) in Q1 2026, compared to ₦163.66 million (One Hundred and Sixty-Three Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) in Q1 2025, representing a 21.81% increase.
Proceeds under the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) increased during the period. NESS collections rose by N1.01 billion, or 20.15 per cent, from N5.01 billion in Q1 2025 to N6.03 billion in Q1 2026.
The Controller noted that since taking over leadership of the Command, and in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, he has consistently engaged in strategic consultations and engagements with relevant stakeholders.
He hinted that the Command has continued to implement measures aimed at enhancing export trade facilitation within its jurisdiction.
“The Command is actively advancing the deployment of the National Single Window platform, with Officers being adequately prepared for seamless implementation of a unified export documentation system in due course,” he noted.
He further urged all exporters operating within his area responsibility to remain compliant with extant export regulations, avoid all forms of infractions, and keep abreast of guidelines issued by the Federal Government.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement, the Controller stated that capacity building, and provision of necessary support to facilitate legitimate export trade, as part of efforts to strengthen the national economy through a favourable balance of trade.