The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has processed exports worth $858.11 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 9.56 per cent increase compared to the $783.22 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Samuel Olusanya Ariyibi, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing in Lagos, describing the performance as a reflection of strengthened trade facilitation measures and improved operational efficiency.
According to Ariyibi, the growth was driven by strategic stakeholder engagement and ongoing reforms initiated by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He noted that the reforms are focused on enhancing export value and volume, streamlining documentation processes, and promoting compliance among exporters.
A month by month breakdown showed that exports stood at $230.99 million in October 2025, up from $212.73 million in October 2024. Although November 2025 recorded $201.63 million, lower than the $330.12 million posted in November 2024, the Command witnessed a strong rebound in December 2025, with exports rising sharply to $425.48 million compared to $240.38 million in December 2024.
Export container throughput also increased significantly, with 13,756 containers processed in Q4 2025, representing a 24.26 per cent rise over the 11,070 containers handled during the same period in 2024.
Agricultural produce remained the leading export category, accounting for $568.27 million, up from $542.92 million recorded a year earlier. Manufactured goods posted the highest growth rate, surging to $240.46 million from $134.65 million in Q4 2024, signaling gradual diversification of Nigeria’s export base.
However, exports of solid and extractive minerals declined to $35.59 million from $87.50 million in the previous year. The Controller attributed the drop to reduced output, market volatility, and operational challenges within the sector.
The Command also recorded a notable increase in export surcharge collections, which rose to ₦208.54 million in Q4 2025, compared to ₦91.95 million in Q4 2024. Ariyibi said the improvement reflects enhanced compliance levels and higher export volumes.
He urged exporters to remain compliant with regulations and avoid trade infractions, assuring stakeholders of continued support through capacity building initiatives and efficient trade facilitation. He further commended the leadership of the CGC, stating that the policy direction at the national level has contributed to improved performance across Customs Commands and strengthened Nigeria’s export capacity.
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