Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Hit Record $6.1bn in 2025, Led by Cocoa Boom
Nigeria’s non-oil export revenue surged to a historic $6.1 billion in 2025, marking an 11.5% increase from 2024, according to new data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This makes 2025 the most successful year on record for the country’s formally documented non-oil exports.
Non-Oil Export Boom: Key Statistics
In a press briefing held on January 19 in Abuja, NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni revealed that Nigeria exported 8.02 million metric tonnes of non-oil products in 2025, a 10% rise from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024. Trade expanded to 120 countries, with the Netherlands maintaining its spot as the largest importer, accounting for 17.53% of the total export value. Strong cocoa demand was a major driver, alongside commodities like sesame seeds and cashew nuts.
Within Africa, Nigeria exported to 36 countries, earning $478.2 million from 11 ECOWAS markets. However, exports to the bloc dipped by 13.08% due to the political withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS.
Commodities Lead the Way
Cocoa products were the backbone of export growth, contributing $1.99 billion in revenue. Other major commodities included:
- Urea: $1.29 billion
- Cashew Nuts: $456.9 million
- Sesame Seeds: $300.3 million
- Gold Ore: $228.8 million
Nigeria’s increasing focus on value-added processing, such as cocoa butter and aluminium ingots, was highlighted as an emerging trend, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) leading the shift toward exporting processed goods.
Policy Drivers and Structural Reforms
The NEPC attributes this milestone to structural reforms, improved capacity-building programs, and better alignment with federal government policies under the “Double Your Export” agenda. The NEPC organized 728 capacity-building sessions in 2025, reaching over 96,000 participants and helping 210 SMEs secure international export certifications.
The ongoing implementation of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement—which eliminates tariffs on over 7,300 Nigerian products—is expected to further boost export opportunities in 2026.
Looking Ahead
With policy support, capacity-building initiatives, and market expansion strategies like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), industry analysts predict that 2026 could eclipse this record year. NEPC forecasts improved SME participation and reduced export rejects for the year ahead, enhancing Nigeria’s market competitiveness globally.
Will the momentum around non-oil exports pave the way for Nigeria to finally diversify its economy? Observers believe the road ahead will depend on sustained investments in infrastructure, export clusters, and private-sector collaboration.
