Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Skyrocket By 20% In 2025, With India, Netherlands Top Int’l Market

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector has achieved remarkable growth in the first half of 2025, with export values reaching $3.225 billion.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said over the weekend that a striking 19.59% increase compared to $2.696 billion reported in the same period last year.

This impressive performance was revealed by Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), during the presentation of the H1 2025 Non-Oil Export Performance Report in Abuja.

Export volumes also surged, climbing to 4.04 million metric tonnes from 3.83 million metric tonnes in H1 2024, signaling increased production and global demand. The export portfolio expanded as well, with 236 products shipped overseas, up from 202 in the previous year. Key exports included cocoa beans, which accounted for 34.88% of total non-oil export value, alongside urea and fertilizer, cashew nuts, and sesame seeds.

Cocoa and related products such as cocoa butter, liqueur, and cakes; contributed significantly, making up 41.11% of the export value due to rising global prices and improved local processing capabilities. Leading export companies like Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemical Ltd, Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd, and Dangote Fertilizer Ltd played pivotal roles in this growth.

Regionally, Nigeria exported 662,000 metric tonnes to 11 ECOWAS countries, and 488 metric tonnes valued at $83 million to 21 other African countries, marking notable expansions from 2024 figures. The Netherlands, United States, and India emerged as top international markets, receiving substantial shares of Nigeria’s diversified non-oil goods.

This surge in non-oil exports underscores Nigeria’s strategic success in broadening its economic base and gaining a stronger foothold in the global market.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Director-General, , during the presentation in Abuja said”Export volumes also increased from 3.83 million metric tonnes in H1 2024 to 4.04 million metric tonnes in H1 2025.

“The rising demand from emerging markets such as India, Brazil, Vietnam, and African countries contributed to this growth. A total of 236 different products were exported in H1 2025, up from 202 products in the first half of 2024. These products included agricultural commodities, extractive industries, manufactured, and semi-processed products.

“Cocoa beans were the most exported commodity, making up 34.88% of the total export value, followed by urea and fertilizer with 17.65%, cashew nuts at 12.35%, and sesame seeds at 4.23%. Cocoa and its derivatives accounted for 41.11% of the total export value due to high global demand, increased prices, and enhanced local processing capacity. This included value-added cocoa products like butter, liqueur, and cakes.

Ayeni pointed out that:”Leading export companies included Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemical Ltd and Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd, with Dangote Fertilizer Ltd also among the top exporters, particularly for fertilizer and cocoa products. Regionally, Nigeria exported 662,000 metric tonnes to 11 ECOWAS countries and 488 metric tonnes worth $83 million to 21 African countries outside ECOWAS, showing growth compared to 2024. Key international markets included the Netherlands (18.64% of exports), the United States (8.42%), and India (8.36%).

This export performance highlights Nigeria’s progress in diversifying its export base beyond oil, increasing volumes and product variety, and expanding markets globally.