Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded a major leap in the first half of 2025, as the Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, Lilypond Export Command announced a 36% rise in export value and an unprecedented 200% increase in container throughput.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, the Customs Area Controller, Lilypond, said the Command processed goods worth $1.58 billion between January and June 2025, a significant increase from the $1.16 billion posted in the same period last year.
“Our cumulative export value for H1 2025 stood at $1,586,041,100.25, an increase of $420.9 million. This represents a growth rate of approximately 36%,” he told journalists during the Command’s half-year press briefing.
In container terms, the Command processed 27,721 export containers, up from 9,438 containers recorded in H1 2024, marking a threefold growth.
“This 200% surge in throughput is a testament to improved compliance, enhanced documentation, and rising exporter confidence,” Odusanya said.
Agricultural products continued to lead Nigeria’s export portfolio, accounting for $966.7 million, a sharp rise from $288.8 million in the previous year.
Manufactured goods also grew significantly, jumping to N2.08 billion, up from N170 million, underscoring Nigeria’s industrial growth and export diversification.
The Command also generated N12 billion in statutory fees under the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme, NESS, compared to N2.6 billion recorded in H1 2024.
A major enabler of this growth, Odusanya said, is the Unified Customs Management System, UCMS, codenamed B’Odogwu, which has transformed export processing and reduced delays.
“The UCMS platform holds immense potential for enhancing trade facilitation, boosting revenue collection, and reinforcing accountability to our stakeholders,” he stated.
He attributed the success to the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and strong inter-agency synergy with the NDLEA, NAFDAC, NAQS, SON, and the Police.
“Feedback from stakeholders continues to validate our efforts. Lilypond remains a preferred hub for non-oil exports, making meaningful contributions to national economic growth,” he said.
Odusanya urged exporters and freight operators to remain compliant and shun malpractices, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and trade facilitation.
