The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment recently released its report, 2025: A Defining Year for Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment, revealing that Nigeria’s trade balance has flipped into a massive surplus. Driven by aggressive reforms and the revitalization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the country is successfully diversifying its foreign exchange sources beyond crude oil.
1. SEZs: The $500 Million Engine
Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones have transitioned from “concepts” to “engines of growth.” In 2025 alone, these zones delivered:
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$500 Million in export revenues.
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20,000+ direct jobs, strengthening industrial hubs across the country.
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Coordinated Oversight: The growth is credited to the unified work of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA).
2. The Non-Oil Boom: 2025 Performance
Nigeria’s non-oil sector recorded a historic surge, nearly doubling government expectations for the first half of the year.
| Key Metric | 2025 Achievement (H1) | Government Target (H1) |
| Non-Oil Export Value | $12.8 Billion | $6.5 Billion |
| Growth Rate | 21% Increase | — |
| Trade Surplus | ₦12 Trillion | — |
Top Non-Oil Export Earners:
The “Gold Standard” of Nigeria’s exports now includes a mix of raw agricultural products and processed goods:
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Agri-Commodities: Cocoa & derivatives, Sesame seeds, Cashew nuts, Shea butter, Ginger, and Hibiscus.
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Industrial Goods: Fertilisers, Cement, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
3. Investor Confidence: The $13.7 Billion Transition
The Ministry reported a significant recovery in foreign interest, moving away from mere “intent” toward actual project execution.
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Priority Projects: Four major projects valued at $13.7 billion have officially progressed from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stage to active implementation.
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The Pipeline: These represent a 25% conversion rate from a broader pool of deals valued at over $50.8 billion.
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UK Inflows: Structured trade missions have positioned the UK as a primary partner, accounting for roughly 65% of recent foreign capital inflows.
4. Inclusive Trade: The Women Export Fund
The WEIDE (Women Exporters in the Digital Economy) Fund, a joint $50 million initiative with the WTO and ITC, saw massive engagement in its pilot phase:
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Applications: Over 67,000 women-led businesses applied nationwide.
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Grants Awarded: 146 businesses were selected for the first cycle.
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Benefits: Recipients get grants of up to $30,000 (Booster track) or $5,000 (Discovery track), plus up to 18 months of technical support to navigate global digital markets.
The Outlook for 2026
While the “N12 Trillion Surplus” is a landmark achievement, the government acknowledges that 2026 must focus on structural infrastructure and port efficiencies to sustain this momentum. The goal is to move from 18% non-oil export contribution toward a more balanced, resilient economy.
