By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

Nigeria Customs Service, Lilypond Export Command has reported a 38.68 per cent increase in export value to $925.84 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from $667.60 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

According to the command, improved performance was driven by trade facilitation measures and stakeholder engagement.

A breakdown of monthly performance showed mixed trends within the quarter, as export value for January 2026 declined marginally by 1.12 per cent to $267.66 million from $270.70 million in January 2025. February recorded a 12.43 per cent increase to $253.12 million from $225.13 million, while March witnessed a sharp rise of 135.83 per cent to $425.48 million compared to $171.76 million in March 2025.

Container throughput also recorded significant growth during the review period. The command processed 19,014 export containers in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 95.58 per cent increase over the 9,722 containers handled in the same period of 2025, reflecting increased export activities and improved operational capacity.

Sectoral analysis showed agricultural exports rose to $608.46 million in Q1 2026 from $523.26 million in Q1 2025. Manufactured goods recorded a substantial jump to $297.36 million from $93.48 million, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to economic diversification.

However, exports of solid and extractive minerals declined sharply to $5.23 million from $42.17 million, attributed to a shift towards local processing and value addition.

Revenue from export-related charges also improved within the period. Export surcharge collections increased by 21.81 per cent to N199.36 million from N163.66 million, while proceeds under the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) rose by 20.15 per cent to N6.03 billion from N5.01 billion recorded in Q1 2025.

In a statement, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi,i said the command’s operations align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasising export as a critical component of Nigeria’s economic growth. He noted that non-oil exports, including agricultural produce, manufactured goods and solid minerals, remain essential for foreign exchange earnings, economic diversification and stabilisation of the naira.

He explained that the command has intensified efforts to enhance export processes through strategic consultations and ongoing preparations for the deployment of the National Single Window platform.
According to him, officers are being equipped for seamless implementation of a unified export documentation system aimed at improving efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.

Ariyibi urged exporters to comply with existing regulations, assuring that the command would continue to support legitimate trade and strengthen Nigeria’s export base.