Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Reach $3.225bn in First Half of 2025 – NEPC DG

Nigeria recorded $3.225 billion in non-oil export earnings in the first half of 2025, according to the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak. The figure reflects the country’s continued efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency and boost foreign exchange inflows through agricultural commodities, manufactured goods, and solid minerals.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Yakusak said the performance in the January–June period underscores the resilience of the non-oil export sector despite global economic headwinds, supply chain disruptions, and domestic infrastructure challenges. He noted that the sector remains a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economic recovery plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Non-oil exports continue to play a critical role in stabilising our economy, creating jobs, and generating foreign exchange,” Yakusak said. “The $3.225 billion figure for the first half of this year is a testament to the hard work of Nigerian exporters and the effectiveness of policies aimed at strengthening our trade competitiveness.”

According to NEPC’s data, agricultural commodities accounted for the largest share of the non-oil export basket, with products such as sesame seeds, cocoa beans, cashew nuts, and ginger leading the way. Manufactured goods—including processed foods, textiles, and leather products—also made a significant contribution, alongside solid minerals like zinc ore, lead, and lithium.

The NEPC boss revealed that 178 different products were exported to 132 countries during the period, with the European Union, Asia, and North America being the top destinations. He added that African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are also becoming increasingly important, as Nigerian exporters take advantage of reduced trade barriers within the continent.

Yakusak attributed the sector’s performance to ongoing reforms such as the operationalisation of the Export Trade House initiative in key global markets, the expansion of capacity-building programmes for exporters, and the promotion of value addition in raw materials before export.

“We are moving from a commodity-based export structure to a value-added export economy,” he explained. “By processing more of our agricultural and mineral products locally, we are not only creating jobs but also fetching higher prices in international markets.”

He also disclosed that the council has intensified its market intelligence activities, helping exporters identify demand trends, comply with international standards, and meet packaging requirements for different markets.

While commending the sector’s achievements, Yakusak acknowledged persisting challenges, including logistics bottlenecks, limited access to affordable finance, and the need for improved port infrastructure. He urged relevant agencies to address these issues to further boost Nigeria’s export competitiveness.

Exporters at the briefing echoed these sentiments, noting that freight costs, fluctuating exchange rates, and bureaucratic delays at ports remain hurdles to faster growth. They called for streamlined export processes, better road networks to port facilities, and more incentives for exporters of manufactured goods.

The NEPC CEO also announced plans to roll out a “One-State-One-Product” acceleration programme in collaboration with state governments, aimed at identifying and promoting each state’s unique export potential. He said the initiative will be backed by targeted training, funding support, and global marketing campaigns.

In addition, the council is working on expanding Nigeria’s presence in strategic foreign markets by setting up more Export Trade Houses in the Middle East, Asia, and North America, following successful pilots in Egypt, Kenya, and China.

Yakusak expressed optimism that with sustained government support, improved infrastructure, and private sector commitment, Nigeria’s non-oil exports could surpass $7 billion by the end of 2025.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to see exports as a national project, stressing that foreign exchange from non-oil products will not only stabilise the naira but also stimulate industrial growth and reduce unemployment.

“Our goal is clear—make Nigeria a leading non-oil export economy in Africa. The progress we have made in the first half of this year shows we are on the right track, but we must sustain the momentum,” he said.

Observers believe that if the positive trajectory continues, non-oil exports will play an even more strategic role in Nigeria’s economic stability, providing a vital cushion against volatility in global oil markets and opening new opportunities for industrialisation.