Exports Surge 39% in Q1 2026, Customs Report Reveals

Nigeria’s trade momentum strengthened in Q1 2026, as new data from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) showed significant growth in export volumes, revenue collections, and cargo throughput.

Exports rose by 38.68% year-on-year to $925.84m, compared to the same period in 2025, while the number of export containers nearly doubled from 9,722 to 19,014, representing a 95.58% increase.

The Service noted: “Exports processed in Q1 2026 stood at $925.84m, representing a 38.68% increase compared to Q1 2025, while total containers handled rose to 19,014 from 9,722, indicating a 95.58% growth.”

Monthly data showed mixed trends: January dipped slightly by 1.12% to $267.66m, February rebounded with a 12.43% rise to $253.12m, while March recorded the strongest performance, surging 135.83% year-on-year to $425.48m.

Revenue collections tied to exports also grew. Export surcharge collections increased by 21.81% to ₦199.36m, while NESS collections rose by 20.15% to ₦6.03bn.

The growth reflects improved port operations, trade facilitation reforms, and diversification efforts aimed at boosting non-oil exports in agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals.

Customs officials highlighted that rising container traffic signals better utilisation of port infrastructure and enhanced cargo handling capacity.

With March’s exceptional performance setting the pace, stakeholders say sustaining momentum through the rest of 2026 will be critical, especially as the Service projects ₦9tn in revenue for the year after surpassing its ₦6.5tn target in 2025.