Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings climbed to a record N9.2 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, bolstered by stronger shipments of manufactured goods, agricultural products and solid minerals. The data, released by the National Bureau of Statistics, highlights expanding diversification efforts beyond crude oil and underscores rising global demand for locally made products, according to Reuters.
Shipments of cocoa, sesame seeds, processed foodstuffs and refined minerals led the gains, contributing to the export boom even as global markets grappled with slower trade growth. Businessday Nigeria reported that the surge reflects improved production capacity in key sectors and greater market access following trade facilitation reforms.
Trade officials said the performance demonstrates the impact of government policies aimed at supporting non-oil export competitiveness, including incentives for value addition and export financing. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment noted that small and medium enterprises accounted for a growing share of outbound shipments, as highlighted by Bloomberg Africa.
Economists pointed out that the non-oil export rebound could help strengthen foreign exchange inflows and reduce pressure on Nigeria’s balance of payments, with analysts quoted by Reuters saying the trend bodes well for longer-term economic stability and job creation.
