Lilypond Customs Exports Hit $752.8m As Manufactured Goods Surge

By Samuel Egbewole 

The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recorded exports valued at $752.8 million in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 28.44 per cent increase from the $586.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The Acting Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, highlighting the substantial growth in manufactured goods exports as a major feature of the quarter’s performance.

Salako, who assumed office on August 24, said the command’s export value rose by $166.7 million year-on-year, reflecting improved performance across the three months under review.

A breakdown of the figures showed that exports in July increased from $202.6 million in 2025 to $217.5 million in 2026. August recorded a sharper rise, with export value climbing from $176.6 million to $297.9 million, representing a 68.69 per cent increase. In September, the command recorded exports valued at $237.4 million.

Manufactured goods recorded the strongest growth among the categories highlighted, with export value rising from $169.9 million in the third quarter of 2025 to $402.5 million in the corresponding period of 2026.

Salako said the development reflected the Federal Government’s emphasis on value addition, as exporters increasingly processed raw commodities into manufactured products to boost non-oil export earnings.

Agricultural exports, however, declined from $346.1 million in 2025 to $310.9 million in 2026, although they remained a significant component of the command’s export portfolio.

Solid mineral exports also recorded a steep decline, falling from $62.2 million to $6.4 million. Conversely, exports classified under other categories rose from $7.8 million to $32.8 million during the period.

Beyond export value, the command recorded an increase in container throughput, with export containers rising from 10,987 in the third quarter of 2025 to 16,345 in the same period of 2026. This represents an addition of 5,358 containers.

Salako also disclosed that the 2.5 per cent re-export surcharge increased by ₦90 million, while collections under the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) rose by ₦517.9 million during the quarter.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and commitment to trade facilitation, non-oil export growth and the modernisation of Customs operations.

The acting controller further acknowledged the cooperation of compliant exporters, licensed agents, export processing terminals and relevant government agencies, describing their contributions as important to the command’s operations.

Salako said the command would sustain engagement with stakeholders on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), export prohibition lists and applicable regulatory requirements to strengthen compliance and facilitate legitimate trade.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to promoting lawful exports, improving regulatory compliance, enhancing revenue collection and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil economy.