WorldStage– Lilypond Export Command (LEXC) of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded exports valued at $858.1 million (N1.12trillion) in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi who disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos said the figure represents an increase of $74.89 million over the $783.2 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, reflecting a 9.56 per cent growth rate.
He added that the command processed 14,756 export containers during the review period, up from 11,070 containers handled in the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating a 24.26 per cent increase.
According to him, exports were grouped into four major categories: agricultural products, manufactured goods, solid minerals and others.
Agricultural produce remained the dominant export, valued at $568.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with $542.9 million in the same period of 2024.
Exports of manufactured goods rose significantly to $240.4 million from $134.6 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.
In contrast, solid and extractive minerals declined to $35.59 million from $87.50 million recorded in the same period of 2024. Ariyibi attributed the drop to reduced output, market volatility and operational challenges in the sector.
He noted that export surcharge collections rose to N208.5 million in 2025, representing a 2.5 per cent increase from N91.9 million recorded in 2024.
He explained that the surcharge is collected under the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme as statutory fees on all legitimate goods exported from the country.
The controller stated that the command is dedicated to processing containerised exports in line with the consolidation directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
He added that the command maintains strong collaboration with partner agencies including the NDLEA, SON, NAQS, the Police and NAFDAC to ensure compliance and trade efficiency.
Ariyibi said stakeholder feedback continues to affirm the command’s performance, noting that it remains a preferred hub for non-oil exports and a contributor to national economic growth.
He commended the Comptroller-General for fostering an enabling environment that promotes trade facilitation, particularly in the non-oil export sector.
“Lilypond Export Command now processes export documentation in less than 24 hours to encourage exports, which has helped position Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading exporting countries.
“The B’Odogwu platform has significantly enhanced our operations, and we remain confident the command will record even greater successes in 2026,” Ariyibi said.
He advised exporters, freight forwarders and haulage operators to remain compliant and avoid activities that contravene existing laws.
Ariyibi noted that stakeholders’ compliance level stands at about 95 per cent and urged others to adhere strictly to export guidelines and refrain from trade infractions.
He encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the command’s open-door policy, continuous sensitisation programmes and guidance on export prohibition regulations to ensure proper and lawful trade processing.
The controller assured stakeholders of the command’s continued support, capacity-building initiatives and commitment to facilitating legitimate exports in line with national economic objectives.
