Non-oil exports recorded a strong expansion in 2025, rising to N12.36 trillion between January and December, according to the latest trade data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Data from the NBS’ Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report indicates that Nigeria’s non-oil export sector has been on a recovery path following fluctuations in previous years, with export values now showing sustained growth.
In 2022, non-oil exports stood at N3.14 trillion before declining to N2.56 trillion in 2023 amid global economic uncertainty and domestic macroeconomic pressures. The sector rebounded in 2024 with exports rising to N9.09 trillion, and the upward trajectory continued in 2025 with the N12.36 trillion total.
A breakdown of monthly export performance in 2025 highlights consistent trade activity throughout the year, with several months exceeding the N1 trillion threshold.
Exports in January reached N1.23 trillion before dropping to N964.73 billion in February and N975.45 billion in March. Export values climbed again in April to N1.22 trillion.
In the middle of the year, shipments totalled N903.02 billion in May and N923.13 billion in June, before rising to another peak of N1.23 trillion in July.
Exports remained relatively stable through the third quarter, with N875.62 billion recorded in August and N894.18 billion in September.
Activity strengthened again toward the end of the year as exporters ramped up shipments, with October recording N965.60 billion, November N1.07 trillion and December N1.11 trillion.
An analysis of export categories shows that mineral-related products accounted for the largest share of non-oil export earnings in 2025, highlighting the growing role of solid minerals in Nigeria’s diversification strategy.
Mineral products generated N73.46 trillion in export value during the period, making them the dominant contributor within the non-oil export basket.
Prepared foodstuffs, beverages, spirits, vinegar and tobacco products followed with N3.88 trillion in export earnings, while products from the chemical and allied industries contributed N3.37 trillion.
Agriculture also remained a notable export segment. Vegetable products generated N1.54 trillion in export value, while live animals and animal products contributed N103.4 billion.
Manufacturing-related exports also featured prominently in the trade data. Vehicles, aircraft and related transport equipment accounted for N1.10 trillion in exports, while base metals and articles of base metals contributed N646.16 billion.
Exports of articles made from stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica and ceramic materials totalled N369.58 billion. Plastics, rubber and related articles generated N244.17 billion, while machinery and industrial equipment exports reached N207.48 billion.
Several smaller export categories also recorded measurable activity during the year. Raw hides, skins and leather products generated N48.39 billion, while footwear, headgear, umbrellas and similar goods accounted for N27.34 billion.
Paper and paperboard products contributed N19.60 billion in export value, while textiles and textile articles generated N16.55 billion.
Other niche export categories included miscellaneous manufactured articles valued at N22.85 billion, optical and measuring instruments worth N6.69 billion, and pearls and precious or semi-precious stones valued at N511.8 million.
Wood and wood products accounted for N636.99 million in export value.
Earlier data had already indicated a strong export performance in 2025. Non-oil exports reached a record N9.2 trillion in the first nine months of the year, representing a 48 per cent increase from the N6.2 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.
Analysts note that the expansion marks the strongest non-oil export growth since 2020 and reflects improved competitiveness for Nigerian exporters in international markets.
One major factor behind the increase has been currency adjustments introduced in mid-2023, which resulted in the weakening of the naira.
While the currency depreciation increased import costs, it simultaneously made Nigerian export products cheaper and more competitive in global markets.
