Nigeria spent a total of ₦3.53 trillion on raw material imports in the first half of 2025, marking a 19.7 percent increase from ₦2.95 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024, according to new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as reported by Vanguard.
The surge highlights the country’s continued dependence on imported inputs, with more than 70 percent of manufacturing materials sourced abroad, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) revealed. The agency noted that this trend continues to undermine Nigeria’s import-substitution strategy and weaken its foreign exchange reserves.
Industry experts attribute the rise in import spending to persistent structural challenges such as high energy costs, limited local production capacity, currency volatility, and inadequate infrastructure. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warned that the situation could further erode the competitiveness of local industries unless urgent interventions are implemented.
Analysts say the country must accelerate reforms to encourage backward integration and strengthen domestic raw material production. The RMRDC has set a target to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported raw materials by 60 percent within the next five years, a move it says is essential for achieving long-term industrial growth.
