By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has grown its export value to 24.35 percent and $792.6 million in second quarter of 2026 compared to $599.60 million recorded same quarter in 2025, representing $192.96 million increase.

Meanwhile, the Solid mineral exports recorded a sharp decline of $83.98 million to $7.18 million from $91.16 million in the same quarter.

According to a second quarter, April to June 2026 export performance report made available by Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, said that the decrease in solid mineral export reflects the Federal Government’s policy of promoting local value addition and domestic processing of mineral resources before export, aimed at encouraging industrialisation and reducing the export of raw minerals.

The command also reported that miscellaneous export commodities continued to feature prominently in its export profile, contributing positively to overall export volumes. The sustained growth in non-mineral exports, alongside the government’s push for domestic processing of solid minerals, underscores ongoing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s export base while enhancing value addition across key sectors.

The Command processed a total of 5,510 export containers during the quarter compared to 3,732 containers handled in 2025 representing an increase of 1,778 containers, translating to a 32.27 percent growth in container throughput.

A breakdown of monthly performance showed that in April 2026, the command recorded 13.55 per cent growth and $274.8 million in export value compared to 37.24 million in 2025

Export value grew to 34.40 percent and180.9 in May while export value rose by 25.15 percent to $241.82 million in June 2026 against $181.017 in June 2025, an increase of $60.81 million.

According to Ariyibi, “A breakdown of exports by commodity classification indicates that agricultural exports increased from $369.85 million in Q2 2025 to $422.08 million in Q2 2026 represents an increase of US$`52,24, adding that it reflects sustained growth in Nigeria’s agricultural export sector.

Also, manufactured goods exports rose significantly from $120.30 million in Q2 2025 to $350.67 million in Q2 2026 representing an increase of $230.37 million and underscores the growing contribution of value-added exports to the national economy.