Nigeria recorded a significant rise in non-oil exports in 2025, with total earnings reaching N12.36 trillion between January and December, according to new data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report shows that the figure represents a substantial increase compared with the N9.09 trillion recorded in 2024, indicating stronger export performance outside the country’s traditional oil sector.
The development reflects the ongoing effort by policymakers in Nigeria to diversify the economy by expanding exports across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals. For decades, Nigeria has relied heavily on crude oil revenues as the backbone of its economy, leaving the country vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations.
However, recent government initiatives aimed at boosting local production and promoting exports appear to be yielding results, as non-oil sectors increasingly contribute to national trade earnings.
Export Trends Over the Past Four Years
Data from the statistics agency shows that non-oil exports have experienced fluctuations over the past few years before reaching the current record level.
In 2022, Nigeria’s non-oil exports stood at N3.14 trillion. The following year saw a decline as exports dropped to N2.56 trillion in 2023, reflecting challenges in global trade and domestic production constraints.
The sector began to recover strongly in 2024, when exports surged dramatically to N9.09 trillion, marking a major turnaround. The growth continued into 2025, with the figure climbing further to N12.36 trillion, highlighting renewed momentum in several industries.
Analysts say the sharp increase signals improved performance in export-oriented sectors and suggests that Nigeria’s diversification strategy is gradually strengthening the non-oil segment of the economy.
Monthly Performance in 2025
A closer look at monthly trade data for 2025 reveals steady export activity throughout the year.
The year began strongly with N1.23 trillion recorded in January. Exports slowed slightly in February to N964.73 billion, followed by N975.45 billion in March.
Trade volumes rose again in April, reaching N1.22 trillion, before easing in May to N903.02 billion and N923.13 billion in June.
The second half of the year saw renewed strength in export performance. July recorded N1.23 trillion, while August and September posted N875.62 billion and N894.18 billion respectively.
Exports improved again toward the end of the year. October recorded N965.60 billion, while November and December closed the year strongly with N1.07 trillion and N1.11 trillion respectively.
The steady performance across most months indicates consistent trade activity and growing participation from multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Mineral Products Lead Non-Oil Export Earnings
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. These sectors have increasingly gained attention from policymakers seeking to boost value-added exports rather than relying on raw commodities.
Agricultural exports also played an important role in the overall performance. Vegetable products alone were valued at N1.54 trillion, highlighting the continued importance of Nigeria’s agricultural sector in international trade.
Meanwhile, live animals and animal products contributed N103.4 billion, reflecting ongoing growth in livestock and related agricultural exports.
Manufacturing and Industrial Exports Expand
The report also highlights growing export contributions from manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Exports of vehicles, aircraft, and related transport equipment generated N1.10 trillion, while base metals and metal products contributed N646.16 billion.
Other industrial export categories included stone, plaster, cement, and ceramic products, which generated N369.58 billion, as well as plastics and rubber products valued at N244.17 billion.
In addition, machinery, boilers, and mechanical appliances accounted for N207.48 billion in export earnings during the year.
These figures suggest that Nigeria’s industrial sector is gradually expanding its participation in global markets.
Smaller Sectors Also Contribute to Export Growth
Although smaller in value, several niche industries also contributed to Nigeria’s non-oil export performance in 2025.
For example, raw hides and leather products generated N48.39 billion, while footwear and related products recorded N27.34 billion in exports.
Other sectors included paper and paperboard products, which contributed N19.60 billion, and textiles, which generated N16.55 billion.
Additional exports included miscellaneous manufactured goods valued at N22.85 billion, while optical and measuring instruments accounted for N6.69 billion.
Smaller export categories also featured precious stones valued at N511.8 million and wood products worth N636.99 million.
Implications for Nigeria’s Economy
Economists say the rising value of non-oil exports is a positive sign for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability. By expanding the range of products exported to international markets, the country can reduce its heavy dependence on crude oil revenue.
Diversification also helps protect the economy from global oil price shocks and creates new opportunities for job creation in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.
The latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics suggest that Nigeria is making gradual progress in broadening its economic base. However, analysts note that sustaining the growth will require continued investment in infrastructure, improved trade policies, and stronger support for export-oriented industries.
If current trends continue, the non-oil sector could become an increasingly important driver of Nigeria’s trade performance and overall economic development in the years ahead.
