EXPORT: Customs processes 19,014 containers worth $925.8m in Q1 at Lilypond command

By Temitope Adebiyi

THE Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has processed 19,014 export containers worth $925,8m in the first quarter of the year 2026.

Its Area Controller, Samuel Ariyibi said, the amount represents a growth of 38.68 per cent when compared with the $667,597m value of the exports processed in the corresponding period of 2025 at the same command.

Ariyibi disclosed that agricultural produce contributed a significant portion of the exports handled during the period.

According to him, the monthly performance within the period under review showed mixed trends.

“In January 2026, exports declined by 1.12 per cent, amounting to $267.66 million ,compared to $270.70 million in January 2025.
February 2026 recorded an increase of 12.43 per cent, rising from $225.13 million to $253.12 million.

“March 2026 witnessed a significant increase of 135.83 per cent ,with export value rising to $425.48 million from $171.76 million in March 2025.

The Command recorded a remarkable increase in container throughput when it processed 19,014 export containers in Q1 2026, representing an increase of 9,292 containers or 95.58 per cent over the 9,722 containers handled in the corresponding period of 2025.

The export products handled within the period under review consisted of agricultural produce, which accounted for the larger portion of export trade during the period, manufactured goods, solid and extractive minerals.

According to the breakdown of the components of the Exports recorded in the 2026 first quarter, the agricultural exports increased from $523.26 million in Q1 2025 to $608.46 million in Q1 2026, indicating a growth of $85.20 million. This reflects a steady and encouraging growth trajectory.

The Export of Manufactured Goods value rose significantly from $93.48 million in Q1 2025 to $297.36 million in Q1 2026, representing an increase of $203.88 million .

This underscores the sector’s emergence as a key driver of economic diversification.
While the Solid and Extractive Minerals Exports value declined from $42.17 million in Q1 2025 to $5.23 million in Q1 2026, representing a decrease of $36.93 million.

This reflects a strategic shift towards local processing and value addition in line with government policy.

Comptroller Ariyibi disclosed that the command is also prepared for the implementation of the National Single Window as it is actively advancing the deployment of the platform with Officers being adequately prepared for seamless implementation of a unified export documentation system in due course.

He acknowledged the support and encouragement of the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team which he said has being the driving force behind the cheering performance of the command.

Ariyibi also disclosed that the command didn’t witness any infraction of export guidelines by exporters due to the stringent measures deployed by the command to deter such illicit act.

He therefore, advised exporters using the command for their transactions to conform to the rule of engagement at the command in order to experience seamless export services.
Meanwhile, the Command recorded an increase in the collection of export surcharge (2.5%) when it garnered ₦199.36 million in Q1 2026, compared to ₦163.66 million in Q1 2025, representing a 21.81 per cent increase.

Also, the proceeds under the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) increased during the period under review.

NESS collections rose by N1.01 billion, or 20.15 per cent, from N5.01 billion in the first quarter of 2025 to N6.03 billion in the first quarter of 2026.