By Aisha Cole
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has recorded N6.03 billion in Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue in the first quarter of the year.
The Comptroller of Customs in charge of the command, Mr Samuel Ariyibi, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
Ariyibi said that the figure represented an increase from N5.01 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
He said the command handled 19,014 export containers (20ft and 40ft) in the period under review, compared to 9,722 containers processed in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a significant rise in export volume.
Ariyibi added that the exports comprised agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid minerals.
According to him, agricultural exports generated 523.26 million dollars, while manufactured goods accounted for 93.48 million dollars and solid minerals contributed 42.17 million dollars in the first quarter of the year.
He said the total export value stood at 925.8 million dollars, compared to 667.5 million dollars recorded in the same period of 2025, representing an increase of 38.68 per cent.
The comptroller also noted that export surcharge rose to N199.36 million in the first quarter of 2026 from N153.66 million in the corresponding period of 2025.
He attributed the growth in export performance to increased value addition, improved processing, and ongoing efforts to strengthen non-oil exports in line with national economic diversification objectives.
Ariyibi said the consolidation of export operations under the Lilypond Export Command had improved efficiency in cargo handling and facilitated smoother export processes.
He added that the command was advancing preparations for the implementation of the National Single Window platform to streamline export documentation and enhance trade facilitation.
The comptroller commended stakeholders and partner agencies for their collaboration, noting that sustained cooperation would further boost export growth.
He reiterated that non-oil exports remained critical to the economy, as they support foreign exchange earnings, job creation and long-term economic stability.
