Nigeria recorded a major increase in non-oil exports in 2025, with total earnings reaching N12.36 trillion between January and December, according to new data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
NBS
The latest Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report shows the figure rose sharply from N9.09 trillion in 2024, signaling stronger export activity outside the country’s traditional oil sector.
The development reflects ongoing efforts by policymakers in Nigeria to diversify the economy by expanding exports in agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals, reducing the country’s long-standing dependence on crude oil revenue.
Recent export trends show fluctuations before the current surge. Non-oil exports stood at N3.14 trillion in 2022, before dropping to N2.56 trillion in 2023.
The sector rebounded strongly in 2024 with N9.09 trillion, and climbed further in 2025 to N12.36 trillion, highlighting a strong recovery in several industries.
Monthly data for 2025 also shows steady export performance throughout the year. January recorded N1.23 trillion, followed by N964.73 billion in February and N975.45 billion in March. Exports rose again in April to N1.22 trillion, before easing to N903.02 billion in May and N923.13 billion in June.
Activity strengthened again in the second half of the year, with N1.23 trillion recorded in July, N875.62 billion in August, and N894.18 billion in September.
October exports reached N965.60 billion, while November and December closed the year strongly at N1.07 trillion and N1.11 trillion respectively, showing consistent trade activity across most months.
A breakdown of export categories reveals that mineral products generated the highest earnings among non-oil exports during the year.
Other major contributors included prepared food products, beverages, spirits and tobacco, as well as chemical and allied industry products.
Agricultural exports also played a role, with vegetable products valued at N1.54 trillion, while live animals and animal products contributed N103.4 billion.
Other sectors recorded notable export values. Vehicles, aircraft and related transport equipment generated N1.10 trillion, while base metals and metal products contributed N646.16 billion.
Additional exports included stone, plaster, cement and ceramic products worth N369.58 billion, as well as plastics and rubber products valued at N244.17 billion. Machinery, boilers and related mechanical appliances recorded N207.48 billion in exports.
Smaller export categories also added to the total, including raw hides and leather products worth N48.39 billion, footwear and related items at N27.34 billion, paper products valued at N19.60 billion, and textiles at N16.55 billion.
Other niche exports included miscellaneous manufactured goods worth N22.85 billion, optical and measuring instruments at N6.69 billion, precious stones valued at N511.8 million, and wood products at N636.99 million.
