Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that its Lilypond Export Command generated N7.1 billion from the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a marginal increase from the N7 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, who heads the command, revealed the figures during a press briefing in Lagos, attributing the revenue growth to the surge in export activities and improved operational efficiency at the terminal.
A key highlight of the report was the dramatic increase in container traffic handled by the command. From January to March 2025, the Lilypond Export Command processed a total of 11,459 containers—an increase of 5,568 containers compared to the 5,891 recorded in Q1 2024. Odusanya noted that the rise was largely driven by higher exports of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, solid minerals, and other products.
Export earnings also soared significantly, with the total trade value reaching $986.4 million in Q1 2025—representing a 318 percent increase from the $236 million recorded in the same quarter of 2024. Agricultural exports led the way, generating $596.8 million, while manufactured goods contributed $329.9 million. Solid minerals accounted for $50.1 million, and other commodities fetched $87.4 million.
In comparison, the 2024 Q1 figures stood at $542.9 million for agricultural produce, $134.6 million for manufactured goods, $87.4 million for solid minerals, and $18.1 million for other goods.
Odusanya attributed the export boom to strategic policy implementation, particularly the consolidation of export activities under the Lilypond Export Command (LEXC), in line with directives from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi. He explained that the move had significantly enhanced the speed and efficiency of cargo processing at the Lagos ports.
He also noted the successful launch of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme on February 14, where distinguished Nigerian exporters were celebrated for their contributions. According to him, the recognition signified the rising profile of the export sector in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
While commending the collaborative efforts of stakeholders and sister agencies, Odusanya reaffirmed the command’s commitment to supporting seamless export operations and encouraging more players to embrace formal trade processes.
The development comes amid broader Customs activities nationwide, including a recent N37 increase in the FX rate for import duty assessments and the interception of N125 million worth of smuggled petrol in Kebbi State as of March 25, 2025.
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