Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded a strong performance in 2025, with earnings rising to $6.1 billion, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
The figure represents an 11.5 per cent increase from the $5.4 billion generated in 2024, highlighting continued progress in the country’s drive to reduce dependence on crude oil revenue.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this during her annual performance review and the 2026 export outlook briefing held yesterday.
Ayeni attributed the growth to higher export volumes and expanded access to global markets, noting that Nigeria’s non-oil sector is becoming more deeply integrated into international trade.
Data from pre-shipment inspection agencies, referenced by the NEPC, corroborated the strong showing. Ayeni said the $6.1 billion export value marks the highest level ever achieved by Nigeria’s formal non-oil exports since the council was established nearly five decades ago, exceeding the previous record set in 2024.
She explained that the increase in earnings was driven by a rise in export volumes. Total non-oil exports climbed to 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024, representing a 10 per cent growth.
In addition, Nigeria exported 281 different non-oil products during the year, reflecting gradual progress in value addition and wider participation in global trade. These exports spanned agriculture, processed goods and solid minerals.
The growth in volume points to improved production capacity and stronger supply-chain linkages. However, Ayeni noted that a significant share of Nigeria’s non-oil trade still occurs informally across land borders, constraining the country’s ability to fully harness its export potential.
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