By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria’s non-oil export sector posted impressive growth in the first half of 2025, with total exports valued at $3.225 billion, representing a 19.59% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This was disclosed by the Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, during a press briefing held on Friday, August 8, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
Standard Times Nigeria, which covered the press briefing, reports that Mrs. Ayeni presented the NEPC’s 2025 Mid-Year Progress Report, highlighting key achievements, export trends, and strategic interventions by the Council to boost Nigeria’s non-oil export base.
“Our aim is to increase the volume and value of non-oil exports, aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,” she said.
According to the Director-General:
Total Non-Oil Exports (H1 2025):
$3.225 billion, up from $2.696 billion in H1 2024.
Total Export Volume:
4.04 million metric tons, compared to 3.83 million metric tons in H1 2024.
Top Exported Products:
Cocoa beans led with 34.81% of total export value.
Fertilizer accounted for 17.65%.
Cashew nuts followed closely.
Value-Added Cocoa Derivatives:
Accounted for 41.11% of cocoa-related exports, boosted by local processing and access to premium markets in Germany and the Netherlands.
Number of Products Exported:
236 different products, a 16.8% rise from 202 in H1 2024.
The NEPC attributed the export growth to several key factors, including:
Rising global demand for Nigerian products, particularly from African countries, India, Brazil, and Vietnam.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has expanded market access and offered tariff relief.
Increased exporter compliance with value addition, quality packaging, and global standards.
Enhanced government support through trade facilitation and exporter education.
“We’re seeing more SMEs and indigenous businesses adopting global best practices. Our capacity-building efforts are paying off,” Mrs. Ayeni said.
Export Markets and Destinations
During the reporting period:
The Netherlands emerged as Nigeria’s top export destination, accounting for 18.64% of export value.
The USA and India followed with 8.42% and 8.36%, respectively.
Nigerian goods were exported to Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
A total of 662,000 metric tons were exported to 11 ECOWAS countries, while exports to 21 other African nations outside ECOWAS were valued at \$83 million.
Exporters and Financial Institutions
Top exporting companies included:
Indorama – 11.92% of total value
Norfro – 8.82%
Notore Fertilizer Ltd – 6.39%
Additionally, 29 banks processed a total of 10,214 Non-Oil Export Proceeds (NXP) forms. Sterling Bank accounted for 31.98% of all NXP forms, followed by First Bank and GTBank, each with 11.47%.
Export Infrastructure and Routes
Exports utilized 18 exit points across Nigeria, including seaports, airports, and seven land borders. Seaports handled 94.45% of total export volume.
Capacity Building and SME Support
In the first half of 2025, NEPC organized:
256 capacity-building programs across all six geopolitical zones.
Training for over 27,352 participants in export documentation, good agricultural practices, packaging, warehousing, and e-commerce integration.
Hands-on mentoring for women, youth, and SMEs, enabling many to convert their products for sale on global digital platforms.
“We remain committed to building the capacity of players from farm to market. Export growth must be inclusive and sustainable,” Mrs. Ayeni concluded.
The Council praised the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for its role in positioning Nigeria as a leading non-oil export hub on the African continent and reaffirmed its support for the country’s strategic goals under AfCFTA.
