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Nigeria Exports Hit $1.2bn Amid Rising Container Volumes
Nigeria’s export trade recorded a major boost between January and May 2026, with export value rising to $1.218bn as container throughput more than doubled during the period, according to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The service said it processed 21,376 export containers during the five-month period, attributing the improved performance to increased export activities and sustained trade facilitation measures.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this on Thursday during a joint security briefing in Abuja.
Represented by the Chief Superintendent of Customs, Titus Omojali, Maiwada said export earnings rebounded strongly after dropping to $171.76m in March, climbing to $274.83m in April before peaking at $275.90m in May.
The report also showed that container throughput surged from 2,847 containers in March to 6,144 containers in April, representing an increase of more than 100 per cent.
“The Service recorded total exports valued at $1.218bn, with 21,376 containers processed. After declining to a low of $171.76m in March, export performance rebounded strongly, reaching $274.83m in April and peaking at $275.90m in May.”
Highlighting the growth in export logistics, the Customs spokesman said, “Container throughput also rose significantly, more than doubling from 2,847 containers in March to 6,144 in April, reflecting increased export activity and trade momentum.”
He said the improved export performance was recorded alongside significant progress in the service’s broader trade facilitation mandate.
According to him, the service processed 698,817 Single Goods Declarations and issued 112,202 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports between January and May 2026, helping to streamline cargo clearance and improve border management.
“The Nigeria Customs Service continues to record significant progress in its core mandates of trade facilitation, revenue generation, border security and protection of national economic interests,” he stated.
He noted that the efficient processing of cargo documentation also contributed to the generation of ₦3.35tn in revenue during the review period.
The service spokesman attributed the improved export performance and overall trade growth to the deployment of intelligence-driven operations, advanced technology, risk management systems, and stronger collaboration with relevant government agencies.
He said, “Through the strategic deployment of intelligence-led operations, advanced technology, risk management systems and robust inter-agency collaboration, the Service continues to suppress the movement of illicit goods, disrupt transnational criminal networks, combat money laundering and terrorism financing, protect endangered wildlife, and secure the nation’s borders against emerging threats.”
He added that beyond facilitating legitimate trade and generating sustainable revenue, the service remained committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic stability and creating an enabling environment for economic growth and national development
