The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it processed 21,376 containers for exports valued at 1.218 billion United States Dollars between January to May 2026.
The National Public Relations officer of the Nigeria Customs, deputy comptroller of Customs (DCC) Abdullahi Maiwada represented by chief superintendent of Customs (CSC) Titus Omojali disclosed the figures at a joint security news briefing by the spokespersons of the security, defence, and law enforcement agencies in Abuja.
He said the Service within the period also processed a total of 698,817 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) and issued 112,202 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs), reinforcing its commitment to efficient cargo clearance, enhanced border management and seamless trade facilitation.
According to him, these efforts contributed to the generation of N3.35 trillion in revenue, underscoring the Service’s critical role in supporting national security and economic growth.
He said “The Service as well recorded total exports valued at $1.218 billion, with 21,376 containers processed.
He continued “After declining to a low of $171.76 million in March, export performance rebounded strongly, reaching $274.83 million in April and peaking at $275.90 million in May,”.
Maiwada stated further revealed that container throughput also rose significantly, more than doubling from 2,847 containers in March to 6,144 in April, reflecting increased export activity and trade momentum.
Speaking on the fight against smuggling and narcotics enforcement, he said the Service recorded 122 illicit drug seizures with a total quantity of 375,457 units intercepted and a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N24.33 billion.
“Narcotics, over 91 percent of the total quantity seized and nearly 95 percent of the total DPV, highlighting the Service’s sustained efforts to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances and protect communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking,”.
He further revealed that March 2026 witnessed the highest level of interceptions, driven by major enforcement operations that resulted in the seizure of over 248,500 units of narcotics.
In the area of anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism operations across Nigeria’s borders, he said a total of six major currency declaration violation cases were recorded, leading to the interception of approximately $789,550 in undeclared and falsely declared currencies.
According to him, the offences ranged from concealment of cash in baggage to under-declaration and non-declaration of foreign currencies, including the discovery of multiple ATM cards intended for illicit financial transactions.
“These interventions reflect the Service’s growing role in combating illicit financial flows, strengthening financial integrity and safeguarding national security,”.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service recorded 17 endangered wildlife trafficking cases involving 104 live animals and 21 wildlife species and products within the period.
He explained that the cases cut across import, export and internal trafficking routes, with six export-related interceptions recorded during the period. “Pangolins emerged as the most frequently trafficked wildlife species, while African Crowned Cranes recorded the highest individual quantity intercepted,” he said.
He added that the Service also seized wildlife products including worked ivory, buffalo horns and hyena skins, demonstrating its commitment to combating transnational wildlife crime and protecting endangered species.
“Through the strategic deployment of intelligence-led operations, advanced technology, risk management systems, and robust inter-agency collaboration, the Service continues to suppress the movement of illicit goods, disrupt transnational criminal networks, combat money laundering and terrorism financing, protect endangered wildlife, and secure the nation’s borders against emerging threats,” he said.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →