Non-Oil Exports Boom, Hit $3.2bn in Six Months

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector has recorded a significant milestone, with total earnings reaching $3.225 billion in the first half of 2025. This remarkable performance, announced by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), signals a powerful surge in the country’s economic diversification efforts.

Presenting the First Half-Year Progress Report on Sunday, the Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed that the figure represents a substantial 19.59 percent increase over the $2.696 billion recorded during the same period in 2024. This growth was also matched by an increase in export volume, which rose to 4.04 million metric tonnes from 3.83 million metric tonnes a year earlier.

The report highlighted a positive shift in Nigeria’s export profile, with the country shipping a total of 236 distinct products, up from 202 in the first half of 2024. Leading the charge were key commodities like cocoa beans, which accounted for 34.88% of the total export value, followed by urea/fertiliser at 17.65% and cashew nuts at 12.35%. This data indicates a growing diversification from traditional raw agricultural exports to higher-value semi-processed and manufactured goods.

Ayeni attributed the impressive performance to a combination of factors, including increased global demand for Nigerian products from new markets such as India, Brazil, Vietnam, and other African nations. She also emphasized the crucial role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has provided Nigerian exporters with wider market access and tariff relief. The NEPC’s own intervention programs, focused on improving quality standards, packaging, and export certifications, were also cited as a key driver of the boom.

The Netherlands, the United States, and India were identified as the top three destinations for Nigeria’s non-oil exports. With sustained policy support and improved infrastructure, the NEPC boss expressed optimism that the country is well on its way to setting a new record by the end of 2025.