Nigeria Customs export growth Q1 2026 rises 38.68% to $925.84m, driven by stronger non-oil trade and near doubling of container volumes

The Nigeria Customs Service on Sunday reported a significant rise in export performance for the first quarter of 2026, with non-oil trade, revenue collections, and cargo throughput all recording strong growth compared to the same period in 2025.

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The Nigeria Customs export growth Q1 2026 data showed that export earnings rose by 38.68 per cent year-on-year to $925.84m, signalling a robust rebound in non-oil trade activity across the country.

According to figures released by the Nigeria Customs Service, the number of export containers handled nearly doubled, increasing from 9,722 in Q1 2025 to 19,014 in Q1 2026, representing a 95.58 per cent surge in cargo throughput.

The agency attributed the performance to improved port operations and ongoing trade facilitation reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s export ecosystem and reducing logistical bottlenecks.

Monthly breakdowns revealed mixed but ultimately strong performance across the quarter. January 2026 saw a slight dip in exports, but February recorded a recovery, followed by a dramatic surge in March, which rose by 135.83 per cent year-on-year to $425.48m.

Officials described March as the standout month of the quarter, with its performance significantly driving overall export expansion and reinforcing momentum in the sector.

Revenue figures also showed steady improvement. Export surcharge collections increased from N163.66m in Q1 2025 to N199.36m in Q1 2026, while NESS collections rose from N5.01bn to N6.03bn, reflecting stronger trade-linked income.

The Nigeria Customs Service noted that the rise in revenue was closely tied to increased export activity, indicating gradual strengthening of Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base amid diversification efforts.

Analysts say the Nigeria Customs export growth Q1 2026 performance aligns with government initiatives to expand non-oil exports through reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals.

The agency, which plays a key role in trade facilitation and border management, also recorded a total revenue of N7.281tn in 2025, exceeding its annual target and marking one of its strongest performances in recent years.

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With projections of about N9tn for 2026, stakeholders believe sustaining current export momentum will be critical to consolidating Nigeria’s trade recovery and economic diversification agenda.