January 19, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose to $6.1 billion in 2025, signalling steady progress in the country’s push to diversify foreign exchange earnings away from crude oil, according to data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
The council said the growth was driven largely by higher export volumes of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and solid minerals, supported by improving global demand and policy reforms aimed at strengthening non-oil trade. Key export products included cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew, fertiliser, processed foods, and selected manufactured items.
NEPC attributed the improved performance to government-backed initiatives such as export expansion grants, market access programmes, and capacity-building support targeted at small and medium-sized exporters. These measures, the council said, helped widen exporter participation and enhance compliance with international quality standards.
The increase in non-oil export earnings aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda to stabilise the naira, deepen trade competitiveness, and reduce vulnerability to oil price shocks.
However, NEPC noted that structural challenges persist. Logistics bottlenecks, port congestion, high transportation costs, and regulatory compliance issues continue to weigh on export efficiency and profitability.
The council said ongoing reforms are focused on expanding value-added exports, improving infrastructure, and strengthening trade facilitation to sustain growth and enhance Nigeria’s standing in global non-oil markets.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
