Lilypond Customs cuts export rejections, facilitates $858m worth of goods in Q4 2025

The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) says it recorded a drastic reduction in cases of export rejections particularly for agricultural products as it processed export goods valued at $858 million in the 4th quarter of 2025.

Speaking at his maiden press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi said the Q4 export value represents a 9.56 percent increase ( $74.89 million growth) over the $783.2 million recorded within same period in 2024.

A breakdown of the monthly performance showed that export value rose from $212.73 million in October 2024 to $230.99 million in October 2025.

In November 2025, $201.63 million was recorded as against $330.12million in same period of 2024 while $425.48 million worth of exports was recorded in December 2025, reflecting a strong rebound from $240.38million recorded within same period of 2024.

Comptroller Ariyibi said export container throughput also improved with 13, 758 containers processed in the 4th quarter of 2025, representing an increase of 2,686 containers ( 24.26 percent) over the 11.070 containers recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

Agricultural products accounted for the dominant export category, totalling $568.27million compared with $542million in Q4 2024.

He listed the agricultural produce to include cashew nuts, casia seeds, sesame seeds, hibiscus flower, cocoa, cotton, tiger nuts, ginger, gum Arabic, rubber ( processed), soya beans, charcoal, processed wood and groundnut.

Manufactured goods including cigarettes, drinks and beverages, empty bottles, BOPP film rolls, cosmetics products, food items and float glass, the Customs boss said recorded the highest growth, rising to $240.46 million in 2025 from $134.65million in 2024.

Solid and extractive minerals, however, declined to $35.59 million from $87.50million in the corresponding quarter of 2024. The Customs boss attributed the drop to reduced output, market volatility and operational challenges within the mining sector.

Export surcharge collection, he said, increased to N208. 54million in Q4 2025, up from N91. 95million in 2024.

Comptroller Ariyibi attributed the growth to improved compliance by exporters just as he highlighted the role of the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu in streamlining export documentation and facilitating trade.

“We have engaged in continous stakeholders sensitization on exoort procedures and the result is a highly compliant export traders and a significant drop in export rejections. ” he said.

The controller also noted that operational delays have reduced significantly with documented containers now exiting to the port within 24 hours.

“Upon assumption of duty, I initiated strategic engagements with critical stakeholders in line with the policy thrust and reform agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi with emphasis on value, volume and seamless processes.

” Under my leadership and guided by the CGC, the command has consolidated existing achievements while strengthening measures to enhance legitimate export trade within our area of responsibility, ” he said.

Ariyibi urged all exporters operating within the command to continue to remain compliant, adhere strictly to expirt guidelines, and refrain from all forms of trade infractions.

He assured stakeholders of the command’s continuous support, capacity building and commitment to facilitating legitimate exports in line with national economic objectives.

Ariyibi also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs for his support and policy direction, which he said continues to drive improved performance across all customs formations nationwide.