In a major boost to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, the Lilypond Export Command (LEXC) of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported a dramatic increase in trade volume, export value, and revenue collection for the first half of 2025. This was disclosed by Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya during a half-year press briefing held at the Command headquarters in Lagos.
According to Odusanya, the Command processed a total of 27,721 export containers between January and June 2025—representing a 200% increase compared to the 9,438 containers handled during the same period in 2024.
Great Achiever Magazine reports that the total value of exports handled rose to $1.58 billion, marking a 36% growth from the $1.17 billion recorded in the first half of 2024. The increase was attributed to improved documentation, expanded capacity, and growing exporter confidence, particularly in agricultural and manufactured goods.
“Agricultural produce continues to lead with an export value of $966.7 million, up significantly from $288.8 million in 2024,” Odusanya noted. “This is a clear indication of the sector’s rising global demand and Nigeria’s capacity to meet it.”
Manufactured goods also witnessed exponential growth, with export values jumping from ₦170 million in 2024 to over ₦2 billion in 2025. Solid minerals and other export categories similarly showed upward trends.
UCMS ‘B’Odogwu’ Platform Takes Off
A highlight of the briefing was the introduction of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS)—nicknamed ‘B’Odogwu’—a modern ICT platform aimed at streamlining export processing and trade facilitation. Lilypond Export Command is among the first to implement the platform as part of the Customs Service’s digital transformation agenda under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“The UCMS platform integrates all export-related modules, improves transparency, and enhances accountability,” said Odusanya. “Though still undergoing test runs, the system holds tremendous promise for efficient trade processing.”
Surcharge and NESS Revenue Skyrocket
The Command also recorded a sharp increase in revenue from export surcharges and the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS). Export surcharge collection rose from ₦47.8 million in 2024 to ₦318.7 million in 2025, reflecting improved compliance and documentation.
Similarly, revenue from the NESS surged to over ₦12 billion, a staggering leap from the ₦2.6 billion recorded in the previous year’s first half. This increase highlights greater compliance and growing volumes of legitimate exports.
Stakeholder Collaboration and Open-Door Policy
Odusanya commended the collaborative efforts between LEXC and other regulatory agencies, including NDLEA, SON, NAQS, NAFDAC, and law enforcement bodies. He also reaffirmed his commitment to an open-door policy, encouraging exporters and stakeholders to engage directly with the Command for swift issue resolution.
“Stakeholder feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Lilypond remains a trusted hub for non-oil exports, and we are proud to contribute meaningfully to national economic development,” he stated.
A Call for Compliance
The Comptroller concluded the briefing with a firm warning to exporters and operators to adhere strictly to trade regulations.
“Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse,” he emphasized. “We encourage all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with export prohibition guidelines and take advantage of our open-door policy for guidance and clarity.”
Odusanya also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General for his leadership and support, assuring that Lilypond Export Command remains committed to operational excellence and national economic growth.
