Customs records 38% growth, processed $925.8m in Q1 2026

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has reported a strong performance in export activities, processing goods valued at $925.84 million in the first quarter of 2026—representing a 38.68 per cent increase from the $667.59 million recorded in the same period of 2025.

Speaking at a press briefing on April 23, the Customs Area Controller, Samuel Ariyibi, attributed the growth to ongoing reforms and enhanced collaboration with stakeholders in the export value chain.

He emphasised the importance of exports to Nigeria’s economy, noting that increased non-oil exports are critical for boosting foreign exchange earnings, supporting economic diversification, and strengthening Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

Ariyibi highlighted a sharp rise in export performance in March 2026, when shipments surged by 135.83 per cent to $425.48 million, compared to $171.76 million recorded in March 2025.

He also disclosed that container throughput nearly doubled during the period, with 19,014 export containers processed in Q1 2026, up from 9,722 containers in the corresponding period last year.

A breakdown of export categories showed steady growth across sectors, with agricultural exports rising to $608.46 million from $523.26 million. Manufactured goods recorded the most significant jump, increasing from $93.48 million to $297.36 million, signalling a growing role in Nigeria’s diversification drive.

In terms of revenue, the command recorded a 21.81 per cent increase in export surcharge collections, reaching ₦199.36 million, while collections under the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) rose by 20.15 per cent to ₦6.03 billion.

The Customs boss urged exporters to comply with regulations, warning that violations could undermine trade integrity and the gains recorded in the sector.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade through continuous stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and improved support systems aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s export economy.