By Joshua Yousouph
Nigeria’s exports grew significantly in the first quarter of 2026, rising by 38.66 per cent to $925.84 million, even as operators in the industry raised concerns over persistent port congestion and a shortage of vessels affecting cargo evacuation and trade efficiency.
According to the latest Q1 2026 Performance details released by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), export value rose significantly from $667.59 million in Q1 2025 to $925.84 million in Q1 2026, representing a 38.66 per cent increase.
The report also showed a dramatic rise in export container throughput, which increased from 9,722 units in Q1 2025 to 19,014 units in Q1 2026, indicating a 95.58 per cent surge in export cargo movement across Nigerian ports.
In addition, export-related revenue also improved. The 2.5 per cent export surcharge collections grew from ₦163.66 million in Q1 2025 to ₦199.36 million in Q1 2026, while Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) collections rose from ₦5.01 billion to ₦6.03 billion within the same period.
The Customs Service described the performance as a “remarkable growth,” attributing it to increased trade activity, improved compliance, and ongoing efforts to enhance trade facilitation in line with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Despite the positive indicators, exporters who spoke with Shipping Position Daily last week however expressed mixed reactions, acknowledging the rise in export volumes while pointing to serious operational challenges affecting the smooth evacuation of cargo.
An exporter and President of the Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP), Hon. Olubunmi Olumekun confirmed that export activities have increased, noting that new commodities and expanding international demand are contributing to the growth.
However, he raised concerns over acute vessel shortages and irregular shipping schedules, which he said are causing significant congestion at the ports. He further alleged that some foreign vessels prioritize other destinations over Nigerian cargo, leading to delays and losses for exporters.
“It’s true, there are some surges in exports. some commodities are now attracting international markets. We are seeing new products coming from Nigeria which is making export business move up. We are short of vessels. These vessels are not coming at the right time, and some are cancelled. We have tons of containers stuck inside the port without scheduled vessels.
“Some vessels come, they refuse to load or load only a little and leave for other countries. Nigeria needs to have its own liner so that our products can move directly,” he added, calling for the establishment of a national shipping line to address the challenge.
Another prominent Nigerian exporter and Executive President of West African Association for Cross-Border Trade in Agro-forestry-pastoral and Fisheries Products (WACTAF), Alhaji Salami Nasiru also acknowledged the rise in export figures, attributing it to growing global demand for raw materials and shifting international trade dynamics.
He explained that Nigeria’s export growth remains largely dependent on raw material supply and global market needs, stressing the importance of strengthening domestic production capacity. “The issue is that exports are good, but you need to have raw materials. Many countries are sourcing raw materials from Africa,” he said.
Nasiru urged Nigeria to focus more on expanding local raw material production and supporting manufacturers to add value locally rather than relying heavily on primary exports. He added that global trade competition is increasingly driven by strategic control of raw materials, noting that countries are positioning themselves to secure supply chains.
“What Nigeria has to do is increase local raw materials and support manufacturers using them. That is where the focus should be,” he stated.
