Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose to $3.225 billion in the first half of 2025, up 19.59% from $2.696 billion in the same period of 2024, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Export volumes also increased to 4.04 million metric tonnes from 3.83 million tonnes last year, driven by strong demand from India, Brazil, Vietnam, and other African countries.

NEPC CEO Nonye Ayeni credited the growth to higher global demand for cocoa, sesame, cashew, and aluminium; expanded access under AfCFTA; and council-led capacity building on quality, packaging, and export processes. Cocoa beans led exports with 34.88% of total value, followed by urea/fertiliser (17.65%) and cashew nuts (12.35%).

A total of 236 distinct products were exported up 16.83% from 2024. Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemical Ltd topped exporters with 11.92% share, while the Netherlands, the US, and India were the leading destinations.

The NEPC also distributed over 23,000 hybrid seedlings and farm inputs to more than 3,000 farmers to boost export quality and volumes. Ayeni expressed optimism that 2025 could set a new record if policy and infrastructure support continues.