Nigeria’s export sector continued its strong upward trajectory in the first five months of 2026, with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) facilitating exports valued at $1.218 billion between January and May. According to CNBC Africa and Nairametrics, the exports were processed through 21,376 export containers, underscoring growing momentum in the country’s drive to expand non-oil trade and diversify foreign exchange earnings.
The Customs Service attributed the improved performance to stronger trade facilitation measures, enhanced border management, and increased participation by Nigerian exporters. Export activity rebounded sharply after falling to $171.76 million in March, rising to $274.83 million in April before reaching $275.90 million in May. Container throughput also more than doubled, climbing from 2,847 containers in March to 6,144 in April, reflecting stronger export demand and improved logistics efficiency. During the same five-month period, the agency generated ₦3.35 trillion in revenue while processing nearly 699,000 import declarations and issuing more than 112,000 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs).
The latest figures align with Nigeria’s broader economic reforms aimed at reducing reliance on crude oil exports and strengthening the competitiveness of non-oil products in international markets. Recent government initiatives, including improvements in customs processes, trade digitisation, and export promotion, have been designed to boost the movement of agricultural commodities, manufactured goods, and other value-added products to regional and global markets. Analysts note that sustained growth in export volumes will be critical to improving foreign exchange inflows, supporting industrial production, and enhancing the country’s trade balance.
For Africa’s largest economy, the continued expansion of export activity signals growing confidence in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem despite global economic uncertainties. Economists say maintaining the current momentum through improved infrastructure, streamlined port operations, and stronger support for exporters could accelerate economic diversification, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading export hub in West Africa.
