The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has recorded a significant boost in export activities, with export value rising by 22.14 per cent to $752.85million in the third quarter of 2026.
The figure represents an increase of $166.70m over the $586.15m recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, disclosed this on Wednesday during his maiden press briefing at the command in Lagos, where he presented the export performance for July to September 2026.
Salako said the performance reflected the command’s contribution to the Federal Government’s drive to promote non-oil exports, diversify the economy and increase foreign exchange earnings.
Giving a breakdown of the monthly performance, Salako said in July, export value rose by 6.86 per cent, from $202.60million in 2025 to $217.53million in 2026.
In August, export value increased by 40.71 per cent from $176.63m to $297.92m.
Similarly, exports in September rose by 12.84 per cent, from $206.92m in the corresponding month of 2025 to $237.41m in 2026.
On sectoral performance, the Acting Controller said manufactured goods recorded significant growth, increasing from $169.90m in the third quarter of 2025 to $402.52m in the same period of 2026.
He attributed the development partly to the growing emphasis on value addition to agricultural produce before export, noting that more exporters were embracing the processing of raw commodities into manufactured and value-added products.
He, however, noted that agricultural exports declined from $346.11million in the third quarter of 2025 to $310.98million in the corresponding period of 2026.
The solid minerals sector also recorded a significant decline, with export value dropping from $62.27m to $6.49m.
Salako said the command would continue engaging stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to identify operational challenges and support legitimate export activities.
Meanwhile, exports classified under other categories increased from $7.87m in 2025 to $32.86m in 2026.
The controller also disclosed that export container throughput increased from 10,987 containers in the third quarter of 2025 to 16,345 containers in the same period of 2026, representing an increase of 5,358 containers.
Salako also disclosed that the 2.5 per cent re-export surcharge increased by N90.02m, while National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) charges rose by N517.92m during the period under review.
He said efficient cargo processing, accurate documentation and compliance with Customs procedures remained essential to sustaining export growth.
The controller commended compliant exporters, licensed Customs agents, export processing terminals and relevant government agencies for their cooperation in facilitating export operations.
“Since assuming office on 24 August 2026, | have engaged extensively with stakeholders across the export value chain to address operational concerns, strengthen collaboration and promote seamless export processes.
“These engagements have also provided opportunities to sensitise stakeholders on preferential trade agreements such as AfcFta, export prohibition lists, regulatory requirements and other government policies affecting their respective areas of trade.
“The Command will sustain these engagements as an important platform for improving compliance, addressing operational challenges and enhancing trade facilitation, ” he said.
He added that the command would intensify efforts to sustain the growth recorded through faster cargo processing, stakeholder collaboration and effective utilisation of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu.
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