Nigeria recorded a significant boost in its non-oil exports during the first half of 2025, earning $3.225 billion — a 19.6% jump compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
The country’s non-oil export volume also grew from 3.83 million metric tons in the first half of last year to 4.04 million metric tons this year. NEPC’s Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, attributed the growth to rising global demand, favorable trade agreements, and targeted government initiatives aimed at improving export readiness.
Cocoa beans, urea/fertilizer, and cashew nuts led the export chart, with cocoa alone contributing about 35% of the total export value. “Cocoa and its derivatives remained Nigeria’s top non-oil export products, benefiting from higher international prices, increased processing capacity, and sustained demand from key markets,” Ayeni explained.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) played a crucial role in opening new markets and reducing tariffs for Nigerian exporters, while government-backed training programs helped producers meet international quality standards.
Among corporate players, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer Ltd. emerged as Nigeria’s leading exporter, followed by Starlink Global and Dangote Fertilizer Ltd.
The Netherlands, the United States, and India were Nigeria’s top destinations for non-oil exports in the period under review, with the Netherlands alone accounting for 18.64% of the total.
This development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy, moving away from heavy dependence on crude oil, which still generates about two-thirds of government revenue and 80% of foreign exchange earnings.
