Nigeria’s non-oil exports reach new half-year high, with total export value hitting $3.225 billion in the first six months of 2025. This marks a 19.59% increase from the $2.696 billion recorded during the same period in 2024, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The council attributed this growth to higher shipment volumes and increased demand for Nigerian goods in emerging markets.
Global Demand Boosting Trade
The Executive Director of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, revealed the figures while presenting the council’s First Half-Year Progress Report in Abuja. She said shipment volumes rose to 4.04 million metric tonnes from 3.83 million metric tonnes in the first half of 2024. Demand from countries such as India, Brazil, Vietnam, and several African nations has been a major driver of this growth.
Quarterly Breakdown Shows Strong Gains
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, non-oil exports were valued at $1.791 billion, up 24.75% from $1.436 billion in Q1 2024. Volumes for the quarter increased by 24.3%, from 1.937 million metric tonnes to 2.416 million metric tonnes. The NEPC says these results reflect the resilience of Nigeria’s non-oil sector in the face of global market challenges.
Focus on Long-Term Growth
Ayeni noted that the report not only reflects the achievements so far but also identifies challenges that must be addressed to maintain momentum. She stressed that diversifying export markets, improving product quality, and addressing logistics bottlenecks will be key to sustaining the upward trend in Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
Bottom Line
Nigeria’s non-oil exports reach new half-year high as the country continues to expand trade beyond crude oil. With strong global demand, improved shipment volumes, and growing interest from emerging markets, the sector is showing its potential as a major contributor to the nation’s economy. The NEPC believes that with the right policies and investments, this record-breaking performance can be sustained and even surpassed in the coming years.
