…As Borno Command intercepts psychoactive substances, endangered wildlife in Borno
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has recorded N6.03 billion in Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) revenue in the first quarter of the year.
The Comptroller of Customs in charge of the command, Mr Samuel Ariyibi, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.
Ariyibi said that the figure represented an increase from N5.01 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
He said the command handled 19,014 export containers (20ft and 40ft) in the period under review, compared to 9,722 containers processed in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a significant rise in export volume.
Ariyibi added that the exports comprised agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid minerals.
According to him, agricultural exports generated 523.26 million dollars, while manufactured goods accounted for 93.48 million dollars, and solid minerals contributed 42.17 million dollars in the first quarter of the year.
He said the total export value stood at 925.8 million dollars, compared to 667.5 million dollars recorded in the same period of 2025, representing an increase of 38.68 per cent.
The comptroller also noted that the export surcharge rose to N199.36 million in the first quarter of 2026 from N153.66 million in the corresponding period of 2025.
He attributed the growth in export performance to increased value addition, improved processing, and ongoing efforts to strengthen non-oil exports in line with national economic diversification objectives.
Ariyibi said the consolidation of export operations under the Lilypond Export Command had improved efficiency in cargo handling and facilitated smoother export processes.
He added that the command was advancing preparations for the implementation of the National Single Window platform to streamline export documentation and enhance trade facilitation.
The comptroller commended stakeholders and partner agencies for their collaboration, noting that sustained cooperation would further boost export growth.
He reiterated that non-oil exports remained critical to the economy, as they support foreign exchange earnings, job creation and long-term economic stability.
In another development, the Borno/Yobe Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 180 bags of psychoactive substances and a consignment of endangered wildlife species in separate anti-smuggling operations in Borno.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Idris Abdullahi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said the first interception occurred on April 15 along Kano Road following credible intelligence.
He explained that operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying 180 bags of a psychoactive substance popularly known as Akuskura.
“Each bag contained about 500 bottles, bringing the total to approximately 90,000 bottles.”
“The substances were concealed in sacks and disguised as general merchandise to evade detection,” he said.
The CAC said that in a separate operation on April 20 at about 0930 hours, the command intercepted a consignment of endangered wildlife species along the same route.
He listed the items seized to include two live antelopes, one dead antelope, one porcupine, two civet cats, four eagles and 13 live tortoises.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the animals fall under Appendix I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Abdullahi said the seizures were made in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and relevant international conventions
He warned that trafficking in narcotics and endangered species poses serious threats to public health, national security, biodiversity and Nigeria’s global reputation.
“The command remains resolute in its commitment to combating the smuggling of illicit drugs and wildlife products.”
“These substances destroy our youth and fuel criminality, while illegal wildlife trade depletes our natural heritage and violates international conventions,” he said.
The CAC commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and acknowledged the support of other security agencies through intelligence sharing.
He urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in tackling smuggling and trans-border crimes.
Abdullahi also warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities and embrace lawful means of livelihood, noting that the seized items would be handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.
ADVERTISEMENTS
