Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings have surged to a five-year high in 2025, with key exporters shifting towards value-added products to expand their market reach. According to BusinessDay’s half-year analysis, non-oil export earnings for the first six months of 2025 reached $3.23 billion—an impressive jump from $1.59 billion in the same period in 2021.
This growth is attributed not only to value addition but also to a global uptick in demand for Nigerian products, including cocoa, footwear, and various food items. Experts argue that these results signal a transformation in Nigeria’s non-oil export strategy, with more emphasis on processing and refining products before they reach international markets.
Value-Addition and Global Demand Drive Growth
The shift towards value-added exports comes at a time when several Nigerian products are in greater demand globally. Cocoa, for instance, is increasingly sought after in Europe and the Americas, while Nigerian-made shoes and food products are finding new buyers across Africa, Asia, and beyond. The combined effect of these factors has contributed to a sharp rise in export revenue, marking the highest non-oil export earnings in five years.
The surge in non-oil export earnings is also a clear signal of the country’s growing export potential, despite previous challenges in the sector. According to analysts, the diversification of export products and the focus on processing and value addition have placed Nigeria in a more competitive position within global markets.
A Five-Year Trend
The upward trajectory in non-oil exports highlights a notable shift in Nigeria’s economic landscape. In recent years, the country has faced economic volatility, with oil prices fluctuating and global trade dynamics shifting. However, this latest data reinforces the significant strides being made by Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, underscoring the growing importance of sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services in the country’s overall economy.
In the first half of 2025, Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings doubled compared to the $1.59 billion generated in 2021, pointing to a successful pivot in business strategy. As Nigerian exporters continue to innovate and find new ways to enhance the value of their products, the future of the country’s non-oil export sector looks increasingly promising.
The Path Forward
Experts suggest that for Nigeria to maintain this growth trajectory, it must continue to invest in technology, infrastructure, and training to support value-added production. Additionally, fostering partnerships with international buyers and strengthening the regulatory environment will be crucial in sustaining export growth.
As the world demands more from Nigeria’s non-oil sector, the country’s focus on value addition could become the blueprint for other sectors seeking to boost their global competitiveness.