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Port modernisation, NSW:  the dual trade facilitation tools deployed by NPA to enhance efficiency for economic growth 

Funso OLOJO, Editor 
Nigeria’s maritime sector, the gateway through which over 80 per cent of the nation’s international trade flows, is undergoing a sweeping transformation, which is being midwifed by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.
Anchored on port modernisation, digital trade facilitation and institutional reform, the new maritime policy direction is designed to reposition Nigeria’s seaports as competitive hubs within the global shipping ecosystem.
Last week, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) released its 2025 report showing that the nation’s maritime sector recorded a historic surge in activity, driven by increased cargo throughput, rising container traffic, and a growing export footprint — a development that underscores the federal government’s commitment to economic diversification.
The 2025 Operational Performance Report released by the NPA revealed that total cargo throughput surged by 24.8 per cent rising from approximately 103.6 million metric tons in 2024 to over 129.3 million metric tons in 2025.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, described the growth as one of the most significant annual increases in Nigeria’s maritime history, noting that the milestone strengthens the country’s position as a more competitive and strategic player in regional and global trade.
The outstanding performance did not just happen overnight, it is a result of the transformative reforms of the federal government.
 For decades, the nation’s ports struggled with a lot of constraints.
However, President Bola Tinubu is reversing the trend through an ambitious reform programme driven by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola and implemented largely by the Nigerian Ports Authority under the leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.
At the centre of the reform strategy are two interconnected initiatives: the comprehensive modernisation of Nigeria’s port infrastructure and the deployment of the National Single Window (NSW), a digital platform designed to streamline trade documentation and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
Ahead of the flag off of NSW, the NPA put the structures in place and is fully ready. The NPA being a critical stakeholder in the NSW initiative has fully aligned its operational processes with the NSW platform.
In furtherance of this, NPA has been part of the NSW Committee, which has been working with the NSW Project Team, KPMG, and Crimson-Logic.
 These engagements have focused on ensuring seamless integration of the Authority’s Revenue Invoice Management System (RIMS 2.0) with the NSW architecture.
Several strategic, operational and technical decisions have been taken to align current processes with the national framework.
In line with Phase 1 of the NSW go-live, NPA has participated in a series of technical and strategic engagements with the NSW Project Team and implementation partners, complete initial User Acceptance Testing (UAT), inauguration of Transition Committee of the NSW and the development and delivery of all requested system endpoints (integration codes) to enable process alignment between NPA and NSW platforms.
Together, these initiatives represent one of the most far-reaching attempts to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector and position it as a critical engine of national growth.
Nigeria’s ports have long been central to the country’s economic architecture. Yet for many years, they have been constrained by infrastructural decay and operational inefficiencies.
Experts estimate that Nigeria loses more than N1 trillion annually due to the lack of port automation and modern infrastructure, as congestion, delays and administrative duplication increase logistics costs for businesses and discourage shipping lines.
In addition to these financial losses, inefficient port operations have undermined Nigeria’s regional competitiveness.
West African ports in countries such as Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic, equipped with modern facilities and digital trade systems, have captured significant volumes of cargo originally destined for Nigeria.
The result has been a paradox: Africa’s largest economy operating with ports that have struggled to match the capacity and efficiency of smaller neighbouring economies.
Addressing this gap has therefore become central to the maritime reform agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Ports Reconstruction and Modernisation
A cornerstone of the reform programme is the large-scale reconstruction and modernisation of Nigeria’s major seaports.
The federal government has initiated an ambitious infrastructure renewal plan targeting key facilities including Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar ports.
The objective is to upgrade quay walls, deepen channels, modernise cargo-handling equipment and expand terminal capacity to accommodate larger vessels and increased trade volumes.
The strategy reflects a recognition that efficient ports are indispensable to economic growth.
 Modern ports reduce vessel turnaround time, lower freight costs and enhance supply chain efficiency, factors that directly influence a country’s competitiveness in international trade.
Early indicators suggest that these reforms are already beginning to produce measurable results.
 Nigeria’s cargo throughput recorded a significant surge in recent years, rising by 45.1 per cent to 103.3 million tonnes, while ship calls increased to more than 4,000 vessels across Nigerian ports. Container traffic also climbed to 1.74 million TEUs, reflecting growing trade activity and increased export shipments.
 These improvements highlight the economic potential that could be unlocked when infrastructure upgrades are combined with operational reforms.
One of the most immediate advantages of port modernisation is the improvement in operational efficiency.
 Many of Nigeria’s major ports were constructed several decades ago and have struggled to cope with the demands of modern shipping and cargo handling.
Ageing quay walls, shallow drafts, obsolete equipment and limited cargo-handling capacity have often resulted in congestion and long vessel waiting times.
Modernisation programmes that involve infrastructure upgrades, channel deepening and the deployment of modern cargo-handling equipment will significantly reduce vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time.
Faster port operations mean ships spend less time waiting to berth, while cargo is cleared more quickly, improving the overall efficiency of the logistics chain.
Inefficient ports often translate to higher logistics costs for importers, exporters and shipping companies.
Delays in cargo clearance lead to additional charges such as demurrage, storage and handling fees, which are ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
By improving infrastructure and operational processes, port modernisation will lower these costs and make Nigerian ports more attractive to shipping lines and international investors.
This could also reverse the long-standing trend of Nigerian cargo being diverted to neighbouring ports in countries such as Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.
Digital Transformation Via NSW
Infrastructure alone, however, cannot deliver a competitive port system without complementary digital reforms.
 This is where the National Single Window (NSW) initiative becomes critical.
Last week, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that Nigeria will launch the National Single Trade Window platform on March 27.
He described the initiative as a monumental reform aimed at transforming the country’s trade ecosystem by simplifying procedures, improving efficiency and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
According to him, the initiative, which was first introduced by President Bola Tinubu nearly two years ago, represents a far-reaching fiscal reform designed to modernise Nigeria’s trade processes.
“We are about to launch yet another reform, fiscal reform by this administration, which in its nature will be very transformational,” he said.
The NSW is designed as an integrated digital platform that enables traders to submit all import, export and transit documentation through a single electronic interface rather than interacting with multiple government agencies.
The NSW seeks to eliminate these inefficiencies by creating a unified digital ecosystem that integrates all trade-related processes.
The implementation of the National Single Window adds a critical digital dimension to these reforms.
The NSW is an integrated electronic platform that allows traders to submit all import and export documentation through a single portal rather than dealing separately with multiple government agencies.
In the traditional system, importers and exporters are required to process documentation with several regulatory bodies, including customs, port authorities and inspection agencies.
This fragmented process often leads to duplication, delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
 The National Single Window eliminates these inefficiencies by integrating all trade-related processes into one digital ecosystem.
The result is faster cargo clearance, improved transparency and greater accountability in port operations.
Digital platforms reduce human intervention in administrative processes, thereby minimising opportunities for corruption and revenue leakages.
 In addition, real-time information sharing among stakeholders enhances coordination and improves decision-making across the maritime value chain.
From a macro economic perspective, these reforms have the potential to significantly boost government revenue and stimulate economic growth.
Efficient ports facilitate increased trade volumes, which in turn lead to higher customs duties, port charges and related maritime revenues.
Improved logistics infrastructure also supports export-oriented industries by ensuring that Nigerian products can reach international markets more efficiently.
Furthermore, modern ports and digital trade systems can attract foreign direct investment into sectors such as shipping, logistics, manufacturing and maritime services.
Investors are typically drawn to economies with reliable infrastructure and efficient trade systems, and the ongoing reforms are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trading environment.
Ultimately, the combined impact of port modernisation and the National Single Window will extend beyond the maritime sector.
By improving trade facilitation, lowering logistics costs and enhancing revenue generation, these reforms will contribute to broader economic diversification and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
Analysts project that a fully operational National Single Window could boost customs revenue by 10 to 20 per cent annually, translating into an additional N600 billion to N1.2 trillion in government earnings.
Beyond revenue generation, the system could reduce cargo dwell time by 35 to 45 per cent and cut overall trade transaction costs by up to 25 per cent.
Such improvements would significantly enhance Nigeria’s logistics performance and ease of doing business.
NPA’s Operational Leadership
The successful implementation of these reforms depends heavily on the institutional leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Under the leadership of Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA has intensified efforts to modernise infrastructure, strengthen digital systems and improve operational efficiency across the nation’s port network.
The authority’s reform agenda includes the deployment of advanced automation tools such as the Port Community System, the Vessel Traffic Management System and digital cargo tracking platforms.
These initiatives are designed to enhance real-time coordination among port stakeholders and create the technological backbone required for the National Single Window to function effectively.
 The impact of these reforms is also reflected in the financial performance of the NPA.
The authority generated N894.86 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projecting N1.28 trillion in revenue for 2025, driven largely by increased cargo traffic, digital automation and infrastructure upgrades.
 Additionally, the NPA remitted a record N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double the amount remitted the previous year.
These figures underscore the growing economic significance of Nigeria’s maritime sector when supported by effective institutional leadership.
Oyetola’s Policy Coordination
While the NPA handles operational execution, the broader policy direction guiding the reforms comes from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy led by Adegboyega Oyetola.
The establishment of the ministry itself marked a strategic shift in Nigeria’s economic planning by recognising the maritime domain as a critical driver of national development.
The blue economy encompasses a wide range of activities including shipping, fisheries, marine transport, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
For Nigeria — with over 850 kilometres of coastline and vast maritime resources — these sectors represent enormous untapped economic potential.
Oyetola’s policy framework focuses on strengthening maritime governance, enhancing regulatory coordination and attracting investment into port infrastructure and maritime services.
By aligning policy reforms with infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation, the ministry aims to build a maritime ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification.
Expanding Maritime Trade
Another key objective of the reform programme is to position Nigeria as a major maritime logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Nigeria’s geographic location already places it along some of the busiest shipping routes connecting Europe, Asia and the Americas with Africa.
However, inefficiencies in port operations historically prevented the country from fully capitalising on this advantage.
With modern infrastructure, improved digital systems and streamlined regulatory processes, Nigeria’s ports could become the preferred destination for cargo serving the West African sub-region.
Evidence of this emerging potential can already be seen in the growing role of ports such as Lekki Deep Sea Port, which has significantly increased container traffic and trans-shipment volumes.
The development of modern ports alongside improved inland logistics networks could transform Nigeria into a regional redistribution centre for maritime trade.

Economic Multipliers

The broader economic implications of these reforms extend far beyond the port terminals themselves.

Efficient ports stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and international trade.
Faster cargo clearance reduces production delays for industries that rely on imported raw materials, while improved export logistics enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.
Digital trade systems also improve transparency and reduce revenue leakages, strengthening government finances.
In addition, maritime infrastructure investments create employment opportunities across engineering, logistics, information technology and port operations.
Analysts estimate that a fully operational digital maritime ecosystem could generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the logistics and ICT sectors.
Such economic multipliers highlight why the maritime sector is increasingly viewed as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.
Charting Nigeria’s Maritime Future
The reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s maritime sector represent one of the most significant structural transformations of the country’s trade infrastructure in decades.
By combining port modernisation with digital trade facilitation, the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is laying the groundwork for a more efficient and globally competitive port system.
With strong policy coordination from Adegboyega Oyetola and operational leadership from Abubakar Dantsoho at the Nigerian Ports Authority, the maritime sector is gradually being repositioned as a major driver of national economic growth.
If sustained and fully implemented, these reforms could transform Nigeria’s ports into modern logistics gateways capable of supporting industrial expansion, regional trade integration and long-term economic prosperity.
In many ways, the success of this maritime transformation will not only redefine the efficiency of Nigeria’s port system but also shape the country’s role in the future architecture of global trade.
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Headlines

Blue Lagos, New Generation Directorate bring 250 riverine youths together for development dialogue

Gloria Odion, Maritme reporter 

The Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, in partnership with the New Generation Directorate, has brought together 250 young people representing 125 riverine and coastal communities across Lagos State to discuss grassroots development,youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

The Lagos Riverine Community Youth Leaders Dialogue, held at the Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, provided a platform for youth representatives to present community challenges, identify development priorities, and propose practical solutions to issues affecting underserved riverine and coastal settlements.

The initiative aimed to strengthen engagement between government institutions and grassroots communities while ensuring that young people in hard-to-reach areas have a voice in decisions concerning their welfare, opportunities, and future.

Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Blue Economy, stressed the importance of involving young people in governance and development planning, particularly in communities facing geographical and socioeconomic challenges.

Emmanuel emphasised that sustainable development requires effective communication between government and the people, noting that understanding local needs and incorporating community perspectives into policy formulation and implementation are essential to achieving meaningful progress.

During the interactive session, youth leaders outlined pressing challenges confronting their communities, drawing attention to gaps in essential services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

The issues raised included inadequate access to education and healthcare, unemployment, environmental sustainability, transportation, poor infrastructure, youth empowerment, and limited access to essential social services.

Participants also called for improved access to government programmes and the implementation of targeted interventions that reflect the unique circumstances of riverine and coastal communities.

Emmanuel acknowledged the concerns presented by the youth representatives and assured them that their requests and recommendations would be communicated to the appropriate government authorities for consideration and necessary action.

He reiterated the importance of maintaining constructive engagement with grassroots communities to identify development priorities and explore practical approaches to addressing their needs.

In her goodwill message, Princess Damilola Sonayon James, APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State and Director of the New Generation Directorate, urged young people across the state’s riverine and coastal communities to take an active role in governance and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.

She encouraged the youth leaders to move beyond expressing concerns about government policies by actively contributing ideas, engaging constructively with public officials, and participating in decision-making processes at both grassroots and state levels.

According to her, young people possess the energy, creativity, innovation, and community level understanding needed to promote responsive leadership and sustainable development.

James also urged the participants to remain united, organised, and committed to the progress of their respective communities, stressing the need for continuous engagement with government institutions and other relevant stakeholders.

She further called on young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as active partners in governance, community development, and the future of Lagos State.

The dialogue also featured engagement with Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, alongside other stakeholders from the New Generation Directorate.

The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss issues affecting young people in riverine and coastal settlements, particularly youth development, employment and livelihood opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, and community welfare.

Participants emphasised the need to strengthen communication between grassroots communities and public institutions, improve awareness of available government initiatives, and ensure that the needs of underserved settlements are adequately reflected in development plans.

With 250 young people representing 125 riverine and coastal communities in attendance, the dialogue underscored the importance of grassroots participation in shaping policies and programmes that respond to the realities of local communities.

The partnership between Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate also highlighted the role of collaboration in promoting youth inclusion, strengthening community engagement, and expanding development opportunities across Lagos State.

The initiative further reinforced the need for a coordinated approach involving government agencies, traditional and community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to address the challenges confronting riverine and coastal settlements.

For the Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative, the dialogue represents a step towards strengthening grassroots participation, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring that the concerns of underserved communities receive attention in development planning.

Through the engagement, Blue Lagos and the New Generation Directorate reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue with young people as partners in building stronger communities, improving access to opportunities, and advancing sustainable development across Lagos State’s riverine and coastal areas.

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Headlines

Germany-Nigeria film week ends on high note, honours Schlöndorff, Musawa, Gani Adams, others

Funso OLOJO, Editor 

The inaugural Germany-Nigeria Film Week has concluded successfully after ten days of film screenings, industry engagements, cultural exchanges and award presentations across four German cities, marking a significant step towards strengthening cinematic collaboration between Nigeria and Germany.

Held from October 1 to 10, 2026, the festival brought together filmmakers, government representatives, cultural institutions and creative industry stakeholders from both countries to promote cross-cultural engagement, explore co-production opportunities and expand the international reach of Nigerian cinema.

The festival opened on October 1 at the Arsenal Film Institut in Berlin with the screening of The Chronicles of Afrobeats, directed by Nigerian filmmaker and music executive Oluseun John Abisagboola, popularly known as Bankuli.

The opening ceremony featured a fireside chat between the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, and the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini.

Their discussion examined the growth of Nigeria’s film industry, international partnerships and opportunities for deeper collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, and the Director of Arsenal Film Institut, Stefanie Schulte Strathaus, alongside filmmakers, producers and other creative industry stakeholders.

A major highlight of the Berlin programme was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned German filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff in recognition of his contributions to international cinema. His distinguished career spans several decades and includes documentary filmmaking in Africa, including Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, also received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the development and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industry. The award was received on her behalf by Dr. Husseini.

From Berlin, the festival moved to Hannover, where SONNENKINDFILM e.V., led by Michael Davies, co-founder of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, hosted a press conference attended by festival delegates, filmmakers and industry representatives.

During the Hannover programme, a Special Recognition Award was presented to Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, in recognition of his contributions to promoting and preserving African culture and heritage.

The city also hosted screenings of Nigerian productions, including Amanyanabo: The Eagle King, produced by veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ibinabo Fiberesima and directed by Fred Amata and Ibinabo Fiberesima.

Another featured production was Evi, directed by Uyoyou Adia. Adia received an award in recognition of her creativity and artistic achievement in directing the film, while Fiberesima was also honoured for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

The festival subsequently extended to Bremen and Hamburg, further showcasing Nigerian filmmaking to German audiences.

Love and New Notes, directed by Kayode Kasum, was screened in both cities, while On Different Grounds, directed by Mildred Okwo, was screened in Bremen.

The Germany-Nigeria Film Week was founded by Mykel Parish Ajaere of Nigeria’s Pan-African Film Development & Advancement Foundation (PAFDAF) and Michael Davies of Germany’s SONNENKINDFILM e.V.

The initiative was established to create a sustainable platform for filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, develop co-production partnerships and explore international distribution and other commercial opportunities.

Beyond showcasing films, the festival seeks to strengthen cultural relations between Nigeria and Germany while providing Nigerian filmmakers with greater access to European audiences and international industry networks.

The organisers said the inaugural edition received institutional and logistical support from the Office of the Mayor of Hannover, Arsenal Film Institut Berlin, KoKi Cinema Hannover, City 46 Cinema Bremen and Metropolis Kino Hamburg.

The Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board also supported the initiative, reinforcing its objective of building sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ film industries.

With its inaugural edition completed, the organisers have scheduled the second Germany-Nigeria Film Week for October 4–9, 2027. The next edition is expected to feature expanded programming, broader industry participation and stronger international partnerships.

The successful conclusion of the maiden festival underscores the potential of cinema as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy, creative-sector development and stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Germany.

 

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Customs

Export activities surge at Lilypond Export Command, records export value of US$752.9m in Q3 of 2026

DC Salako, Ag.Controller Lilypond Export Command

— as Agricultural, Solid minerals exports plunge

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ijora, Lagos, recorded export transactions valued at $752.9 million in the third quarter of 2026, representing a 22.14 per cent increase over the $586.152 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

The growth was driven largely by a sharp increase in manufactured goods exports, which more than doubled during the period, offsetting declines in agricultural produce and solid minerals exports.

The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Oluyemi Salako, attributed the overall improvement to favourable government export policies, the Customs Service’s commitment to trade facilitation and the support of the NCS management under the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

Salako disclosed the figures while briefing the media on the Command’s third-quarter performance on October 28, 2026.

A breakdown of the monthly figures showed that export value rose from $202.604 million in July 2025 to $217.526 million in July 2026, representing a 6.86 per cent increase.

In August, exports increased from $176.628 million to $297.919 million, reflecting a reported growth of 40.71 per cent, while September exports rose from $206.919 million to $237.406 million, representing a 12.84 per cent increase.

Manufactured goods drive export growth

An analysis of the sectoral performance showed that manufactured goods emerged as the leading driver of export growth, with export value increasing from $169.902 million in the third quarter of 2025 to $402.520 million in the corresponding period of 2026.

The performance underscores the growing contribution of manufactured and value-added products to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings.

Salako said the trend reflected the Federal Government’s drive to encourage domestic processing and value addition rather than continued dependence on the export of raw commodities.

“This performance underscores the growing contribution of manufactured and value-added products to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings,” he said.

According to the Acting Controller, the Customs Command has continued to sensitise exporters on the need to move beyond the export of raw agricultural produce and embrace processing and value-added production.

He explained that more agricultural commodities were being processed into manufactured and value-added products for export, a development that he said was contributing to the growth in manufactured goods exports and supporting greater foreign exchange repatriation into the Nigerian economy.

Agricultural exports suffer decline

Despite the overall growth in export value, agricultural exports recorded a decline, falling from $346.107 million in the third quarter of 2025 to $310.981 million in the corresponding period of 2026.

Salako, however, maintained that agriculture remained a significant component of the Command’s export portfolio.

He attributed the decline partly to the Federal Government’s increasing emphasis on processing agricultural commodities and improving their value before export.

The policy direction, he said, was intended to encourage domestic value addition, expand manufacturing activities and improve the returns Nigeria earns from its exports.

The Command, he added, would continue to engage exporters and provide guidance on compliance with government policies aimed at strengthening the country’s non-oil export base.

Solid minerals exports plunge

Solid minerals exports recorded the steepest decline among the major export categories, falling from $62.271 million in the third quarter of 2025 to $6.487 million in the same period of 2026.

Salako attributed the sharp drop to government policies discouraging the export of unprocessed solid minerals and requiring greater processing and conversion into derivatives before export.

He also cited efforts to curb illegal mining activities, particularly those involving foreign operators, as another factor contributing to the decline.

The Acting Controller said the Command would continue engaging stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to better understand operational challenges and support legitimate export activities within the framework of existing government policies.

In contrast, exports classified under the other-products category increased from $7.870 million to $32.863 million during the period under review, reflecting improved performance.

Export container throughput rises

Beyond the increase in export value, the Command recorded significant growth in export container throughput.

The number of export containers processed rose from 10,987 in the third quarter of 2025 to 16,345 in the corresponding period of 2026, an increase of 5,358 containers.

The growth points to increased cargo movement through the facility and an expansion in the volume of export transactions handled during the quarter.

The Command also reported increases in export-related collections.

According to Salako, the 2.5 per cent re-export surcharge increased by ₦90.019 million, while the Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) charges rose by ₦517.923 million during the period.

He said the increase in collections highlighted the importance of efficient cargo processing, accurate documentation and compliance with established Customs procedures in supporting legitimate trade.

Customs pledges faster processing, stronger compliance

Salako commended compliant exporters, licensed Customs agents, export processing terminals, relevant government agencies and other stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to the export process.

He said the Command would sustain its support for legitimate trade through improved trade facilitation, timely dissemination of relevant information and consistent enforcement of applicable Customs regulations.

“The Command will continue to support legitimate trade through effective trade facilitation, timely dissemination of relevant information and consistent application of extant rules and regulations. At the same time, we will sustain our commitment to enforcing compliance with all applicable Customs laws and government policies,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Acting Controller said the Command would intensify efforts to sustain export growth through faster and more efficient cargo processing, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and the effective deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu.

He said the system continued to support Customs operations and trade facilitation by improving the management of export transactions.

The Command would also leverage World Customs Organization (WCO) trade facilitation instruments, including the Time Release Study (TRS), where applicable, to identify operational bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

Salako said the third-quarter performance demonstrated the potential of manufactured and value-added products to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export base, even as the declines in agricultural and solid minerals exports highlighted the need to address sector-specific challenges.

“Our commitment remains to facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen compliance, enhance revenue collection and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil economy,” he said.

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