NEPC: Non-Oil Exports Hit $6.1bn in 2025

By Oluwakemi Kindness 

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, says Nigeria’s non-oil exports hit a record of six point 1 billion dollars in 2025, an 11.5 percent up from 2024.

Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, stated this in Abuja on Monday at a press briefing on the performance of the non-oil export for 2025 and 2026 outlook.

She said total export volume also grew 10% to 8.02 million metric tonnes, reflecting stronger activity across agriculture, industrial, and mineral sectors.

Ayeni noted that informal exports are still significant, and ongoing efforts with the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria aim to formalize and mainstream informal trade for better economic planning.

Exported Products 

In 2025, Nigeria exported 281 non-oil products, including cocoa and derivatives, urea, cashew, sesame seeds, gold dore, aluminium and copper ingots, soybeans, and rubber.

Exports reached 120 countries, with the Netherlands, Brazil, and India as top destinations.

The Netherlands accounted for 17.5% of total exports, Brazil 10.4%, and India 7.6%. Exports to the Netherlands rose 32.5%, driven by cocoa and sesame products, while Brazil imports increased 19%.

African Market Performance

She said Nigeria exported to 36 African countries, including 11 ECOWAS member states.

Total ECOWAS exports were 1.23 million tonnes valued at US$271.3 million, a 13% decline from 2024 due to the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire featured among the top 20 global markets, while exports to 25 other African nations reached 967,398 tonnes worth US$206.9 million.

The NEPC ED highlighted the AfCFTA as a key opportunity for expanding intra-African trade.

Strong Performance 

Ayeni said the strong performance demonstrates the growing resilience and global relevance of Nigeria’s non-oil sector.

She emphasized that formalizing informal trade, promoting value addition, and leveraging continental markets will help Nigeria become Africa’s trade hub and diversify the economy.

“This record performance underscores the importance of non-oil exports to Nigeria’s growth and global competitiveness,” Ayeni said.