Nigeria’s non-oil exports have maintained strong momentum, reaching $3.23 billion in value despite global trade disruptions and domestic economic pressures. The latest data, released by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), indicates that the country’s export diversification efforts are beginning to yield tangible results, driven largely by agriculture, manufactured goods, and solid minerals.
According to the NEPC report for the third quarter of 2025, non-oil exports accounted for a growing share of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, demonstrating resilience amid foreign exchange volatility, high logistics costs, and lingering inflationary trends. The report revealed that over 300 different export products were recorded across various sectors, with top-performing commodities including cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, fertilizers, and aluminum products.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, described the performance as a reflection of Nigeria’s gradual economic diversification and the success of policy measures aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil revenue. He explained that despite global economic uncertainty, Nigerian exporters have shown adaptability through innovation, regional market expansion, and value addition.
“The performance of the non-oil export sector underscores Nigeria’s potential as a major player in global trade beyond crude oil. Our exporters are proving that with the right support, Nigerian products can compete globally,” Yakusak said.
He noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement had opened new opportunities for Nigerian exporters to access wider African markets, helping cushion the impact of declining global commodity prices. The NEPC has been working closely with exporters to promote product quality, certification, and packaging standards that meet international requirements.
Agricultural exports accounted for the bulk of the non-oil trade, contributing nearly 45 percent of total earnings. Cocoa and cashew remained the dominant export crops, followed by sesame seeds, ginger, and hibiscus. The manufacturing sector also showed notable improvement, contributing around 27 percent, driven by increased demand for processed food, beverages, and industrial goods in West and Central Africa.
The report further indicated that Nigeria’s solid mineral exports grew by 13 percent year-on-year, supported by renewed investments in mining and better regulatory oversight. Zinc, lead, and lithium exports showed strong upward trends, reflecting growing interest from Asian and European buyers.
Yakusak attributed the resilience of the non-oil sector to strategic reforms and collaboration between the NEPC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. He explained that initiatives such as the Export Expansion Facility Programme (EEFP) and the Export Development Fund (EDF) had supported exporters in scaling up production and meeting global standards.
He emphasized that the Council remains focused on building a sustainable non-oil export ecosystem by providing training, market intelligence, and financing support to small and medium enterprises. According to him, these efforts are central to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed economic diversification agenda aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s balance of payments and generating employment.
The NEPC boss also highlighted persistent challenges in the sector, including port congestion, multiple levies, inadequate logistics infrastructure, and access to finance, which continue to hinder competitiveness. He called for increased investment in trade facilitation, better coordination among regulatory agencies, and improved access to export financing to sustain the growth trajectory.
Industry experts believe that Nigeria’s recent export performance is a positive signal for long-term economic stability. Dr. Ayo Teriba, an economist, said the figures show that Nigeria is gradually reducing its vulnerability to oil market shocks. He stressed that sustaining this momentum will require consistent government policy, investment in agro-industrial zones, and modernization of transport infrastructure to reduce export costs.
Similarly, Mrs. Amina Yusuf, a trade consultant, said the NEPC’s focus on value addition is beginning to transform the non-oil export landscape. She noted that processed agricultural goods now command higher earnings than raw commodities, helping Nigeria capture more value in international markets.
Yusuf added that emerging export destinations in Asia and Africa are also contributing to the diversification of Nigeria’s trade portfolio. “Beyond Europe and North America, Nigeria is seeing increased trade activity with countries such as India, Vietnam, and South Africa, which have become key buyers of processed agricultural and mineral products,” she stated.
Despite the positive trend, exporters have continued to express concerns about currency volatility and the rising cost of shipping. The depreciation of the naira, while improving export competitiveness, has also increased input costs for manufacturers who rely on imported materials. Analysts say this underscores the need for Nigeria to strengthen local production capacity to sustain export growth.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving trade infrastructure and providing incentives for exporters. The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, recently announced plans to establish six new export processing zones across the country to facilitate faster clearance, reduce costs, and encourage investment in value-added production.
She said the government’s goal is to achieve $10 billion in non-oil exports annually by 2027, adding that the resilience of the sector in 2025 demonstrates that Nigeria is on the right path toward sustainable diversification.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with global oil market fluctuations, the strong performance of the non-oil sector serves as a vital stabilizer for the economy. The NEPC maintains that with continued reforms, improved infrastructure, and supportive fiscal policies, the country’s non-oil exports could surpass $5 billion by 2026, strengthening foreign exchange reserves and boosting economic resilience.
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