Nigeria’s non-oil exports surged to $6.1bn in 2025, a record high, reflecting growth across agriculture, industry, and minerals, and supporting economic diversification

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector achieved its strongest performance on record in 2025, with earnings rising to $6.1bn, marking an 11.5 percent increase over the $5.4bn recorded in 2024.

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The figure represents the highest level since the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) nearly 50 years ago and reflects renewed momentum in the country’s drive to diversify away from crude oil dependence.

Data from pre-shipment inspection agencies indicate that the growth was driven by improved market access, expanded product offerings, and heightened participation across agricultural, industrial, and mineral exports.

Total non-oil export volume rose to 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024, representing a 10 percent increase across multiple value chains.

Presenting the NEPC’s annual report and 2026 outlook in Abuja, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Nonye Ayeni described the 2025 performance as a historic milestone.

“This achievement surpasses all previous records in the non-oil export sector,” she said, highlighting exports of 281 distinct products and noting gradual improvements in value addition and product diversification.

Ayeni cautioned, however, that official figures do not capture the full scale of trade, as significant volumes continue to move informally across land borders.

She said the NEPC is working with the National Bureau of Statistics, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other agencies to improve data quality and support exporters through targeted policies.

Looking forward, the council plans to intensify reforms, export incentives, and capacity-building programmes in 2026 to sustain growth and further strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export base.

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The record performance aligns with federal government efforts to boost foreign exchange earnings, stabilise the naira, and reduce the economy’s exposure to oil price volatility.