The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it recorded $752.8 million worth of exports in the third quarter of 2026.

The Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Mr Salako said that he assumed office on August 24, adding that the command recorded an increase of $166.7 million over the $586.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

He said that the increase represented a growth of 28.44 per cent.

According to him, monthly figures showed growth across the three months, with July recording $217.5 million, against $202.6 million in 2025.

He said that the command recorded $297.9 million in August, against $176.6 million in 2025, representing an increase of 68.69 per cent, while September recorded $237.4 million.

Mr Salako said that agricultural exports declined from $346.1 million in 2025 to $310.9 million in 2026 but remained a significant contributor to the export portfolio.

He noted that the decline should be viewed against the federal government’s emphasis on value addition, as exporters increasingly processed raw commodities into manufactured goods.

He said that manufactured goods recorded remarkable growth, rising from $169.9 million in 2025 to $402.5 million in 2026, thereby boosting non-oil export earnings.

The acting controller said that solid mineral exports declined from $62.2 million to $6.4 million, while other exports rose from $7.8 million to $32.8 million.

He added that export container increased from 10,987 containers in 2025 to 16,345 containers in 2026, representing an increase of 5,358 containers.

Mr Salako said that the 2.5 per cent re-export surcharge increased by N90 million, while National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) charges rose by N517.9 million during the period under review.

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.

He also commended compliant exporters, licensed agents, export processing terminals and relevant agencies for their cooperation.

Mr Salako said that the command would sustain stakeholder engagement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), export prohibition lists and regulatory requirements to improve compliance and facilitate trade.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening compliance, enhancing revenue collection and contributing to the growth of the non-oil economy.

(NAN)