Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Surge to $3.23 Billion in First Half of 2025, Reports NEPC
Nigeria’s non-oil export sector has demonstrated a robust growth trajectory, with total export value reaching $3.225 billion in the first half of 2025. This represents a significant increase of 19.59% compared to the $2.696 billion recorded during the same period in 2024, as disclosed by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
The comprehensive H1 2025 Non-Oil Export Performance Report, presented by NEPC Director-General, Nonye Ayeni, highlighted a corresponding increase in export volume. The volume of goods exported climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes in H1 2025, up from 3.83 million metric tonnes in the preceding year. This performance builds on the strong momentum from the first quarter of 2025 alone, which saw exports valued at $1.791 billion—a 24.75% increase from Q1 2024.
Strategic Broadening of the Export Basket
A key finding from the report is the notable diversification of Nigeria’s export basket. The country successfully exported 236 distinct products in the first half of the year, marking a 16.83% increase from the 202 products exported in H1 2024. This trend signals a strategic shift away from traditional agricultural exports toward higher-value, semi-manufactured products.
According to data from Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs), cocoa beans remained the top export product, accounting for a substantial 34.88% of the total export value. Urea/fertilizer followed as the second-highest contributor, representing 17.65% of the total non-oil export value, a notable increase from its 13.78% share in the first half of 2024.
Catalysts for Growth and Future Outlook
Ms. Ayeni identified several critical factors driving this positive performance. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was cited as a major catalyst, providing Nigerian exporters with expanded market access and reduced tariffs across the continent. Additionally, NEPC’s targeted intervention programs, which focus on enhancing exporters’ capacity in areas such as quality control, packaging standards, and international certifications, have been instrumental in boosting competitiveness.
The Director-General also highlighted the increasing demand for Nigerian non-oil exports from emerging economies like India, Brazil, Vietnam, and various African nations. She emphasized that the ongoing shift toward value-added exports is a primary driver of higher earnings.
In line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, NEPC remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and other stakeholders. The council’s strategic focus is to sustain this growth trajectory by further increasing both the value and volume of Nigeria’s non-oil exports, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic diversification and long-term sustainability.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
