Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Revenue Rises To $6.1bn

Nigeria’s non-oil exports recorded a significant boost in 2025, rising to $6.1 billion, according to figures released by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The announcement was made in Abuja by the Council’s Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, who described the development as a major step forward in the country’s diversification agenda.

“The figure showed a growth of 11.5 per cent compared to the $5.4 billion recorded in December 2024,” Ayeni said at a news briefing.

She explained that the Netherlands, Brazil, and India were the top three destinations for Nigeria’s exports in 2025, reflecting the country’s expanding trade footprint across Europe, South America, and Asia.

Closer to home, Nigeria exported 1.23 million metric tonnes of goods to 11 members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin topping the list.

READ ALSO: [UPDATED] IMF Raises Nigeria’s 2026 Growth Forecast To 4.4%

However, she noted that the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS had weakened regional trade flows.

“The exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger led to a decline of trade within the ECOWAS sub-region, as well as Africa,” she explained.

The NEPC report showed that 281 products were exported in 2025, ranging from raw agricultural commodities to processed and semi-processed goods.

Among the top products were cocoa, sesame seeds, urea, soya beans, and rubber.

These exports highlight Nigeria’s comparative advantage in agriculture and agro-processing sectors that continue to attract investment and policy attention.

The rise in non-oil exports carries significant implications for Nigeria’s economy, including diversification gains, foreign exchange stability, job creation and regional trade challenges.

The figures demonstrate progress in reducing reliance on crude oil revenues, a long-standing vulnerability.

Increased export earnings provide critical inflows to stabilise the naira and ease inflationary pressures.

Farmers, processors, and exporters benefit directly, strengthening rural economies and boosting employment.

Also, the ECOWAS exit of three countries underscores the need for Nigeria to explore new trade alliances within Africa and beyond.

This growth aligns with Nigeria’s broader reform agenda, where agriculture and manufacturing are positioned as engines of sustainable development.

For Nigerians abroad, the export surge presents opportunities to connect with the country’s economic transformation.

For instance, diaspora investors can leverage the growing demand for Nigerian agricultural products, particularly in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Stronger export earnings complement diaspora remittances, both serving as vital foreign exchange sources.

Nigerians in diaspora can also act as ambassadors for Nigerian products, promoting cocoa, sesame, and rubber in international markets.

From London to Toronto, Nigerians abroad can proudly point to cocoa beans in European markets or sesame seeds on Asian shelves.