Nigeria has recorded its highest value of non‑oil exports in history, generating approximately $6.1 billion in 2025. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council says this achievement marks an 11.5 percent increase over the previous year and reflects sustained efforts to broaden the economic base beyond petroleum products.
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Composition of non‑oil export growth
The 2025 export performance was driven by growth in agricultural commodities, processed goods, industrial inputs and solid minerals. Nigeria exported 281 distinct non‑oil products to 120 countries, with strong demand noted in markets including the Netherlands, Brazil and India. Export volume also rose by about ten per cent, reaching 8.02 million metric tonnes from 7.29 million tonnes in 2024.
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Impact on MSMEs and diversification goals
Increased non‑oil exports present opportunities for SMEs engaged in agro‑processing, manufacturing and value‑added trades. Enhanced access to international markets can help smaller firms scale operations, increase revenue streams and become more competitive globally. Export diversification is central to Nigeria’s strategy to reduce dependency on oil revenues and build resilience against commodity price shocks.
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Policy and infrastructure considerations
Trade experts highlight that improved logistics, quality standards and export support frameworks will be crucial to maintaining export momentum. While the record performance is a positive indicator, sustained growth in non‑oil exports will depend on coordinated efforts between government agencies, industry stakeholders and private sector actors, particularly MSMEs that form the backbone of the non‑oil value chain.
