Nigeria Posts N12 Trillion Trade Surplus as Non-Oil Exports Soar 21% in H1 2025
Nigeria recorded a N12 trillion trade surplus in the first half of 2025, fueled by a 21 percent increase in non-oil exports, which reached $12.8 billion, according to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI). The surge reflects a strong rebound in trade activity, underpinned by policy reforms aimed at boosting industrial capacity, export diversification, and investor confidence.
The ministry’s 2025 review highlighted that overall trade value rose by 14 percent, driven by improved export processes, value addition in key sectors, and targeted trade reforms. Cocoa, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, shea butter, ginger, hibiscus, rubber, palm oil derivatives, fertilisers, cement, and liquefied natural gas emerged as the top-performing non-oil exports, signaling a shift toward higher-value products in global markets.
A key factor behind the export growth was the ministry’s collaborative reform programme, which included partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Over 27,000 exporters were trained, 200 MSMEs certified for international trade, and more than 3,000 farmers received hybrid seedlings. The Women Export Fund also expanded trade finance access, awarding grants to 146 women-led enterprises from over 67,000 applications.
Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones contributed significantly to the gains, generating $500 million in export revenue and creating over 20,000 direct jobs. The Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) played a crucial role in promoting export-led growth, industrialisation, and employment, reinforcing the zones as key engines of the economy.
Beyond trade, the FMITI also strengthened investment attraction in 2025, using a structured, systems-driven approach that improved project visibility and reduced information gaps. Four priority investment projects valued at $13.7 billion advanced to final stages, while a $5 billion de-risked investment pipeline across priority sectors demonstrates Nigeria’s proactive strategy to attract global investors, signaling that the country is open for business.
source: vanguard