Nigeria-UK Trade Hits £7.6bn as Crude Oil Exports Strengthen Economic Ties in 2025

Nigeria’s trade relationship with the United Kingdom recorded a major boost in 2025, reaching a total value of £7.6bn, largely driven by strong crude oil exports. According to fresh data released by the UK Department for Business and Trade, Nigeria’s energy sector continues to play a central role in strengthening economic ties between both countries.

Crude oil remained Nigeria’s top export to the UK, with shipments valued at £719.2m, accounting for nearly half of all goods imported from Nigeria. In addition, the UK imported £514.3m worth of refined petroleum products and £167.8m worth of gas, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key energy supplier to the British market.

Beyond oil and gas, Nigeria also exported agricultural and industrial goods, including coffee, tea, and cocoa worth £17.9m, as well as processed fertilisers valued at £17.2m. Overall trade in goods and services between both nations grew by 10.8%, adding £737m compared with the previous year, highlighting steady expansion in bilateral economic activity.

On the import side, the UK brought in £2.1bn worth of goods and services from Nigeria, marking an 11.3% increase. Goods accounted for £1.5bn, while services contributed £614m. However, while goods imports surged by 18.8%, services recorded a slight decline of 3.5%, reflecting shifting trade dynamics between both economies.

The UK, meanwhile, maintained a strong trade position, exporting £5.5bn worth of goods and services to Nigeria. Refined oil products dominated UK exports at £1.1bn, alongside industrial machinery, textiles, and consumer goods. Overall, the UK posted a trade surplus of £3.3bn with Nigeria, driven largely by its expanding services sector.

source: punch