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Nigeria Non-Oil Exports Hit Historic $6.1bn in 2025

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Nigeria non-oil exports rose to a record $6.1bn in 2025, led by cocoa and fertilisers, reflecting stronger trade, diversification, and market reach

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector reached a historic high of $6.1bn in 2025, marking the strongest performance since the establishment of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) nearly five decades ago.

Also read: NCC to Launch Satellite-to-Phone Services for 23.3 Million Nigerians

The figure represents an 11.5 per cent year-on-year increase from $5.4bn in 2024, reflecting renewed momentum in the country’s push to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependence.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed the figures on Monday in Abuja during the council’s annual progress report and 2026 non-oil export outlook briefing.

She noted that data from pre-shipment inspection agencies confirmed the milestone, describing the achievement as a testament to improved market access, compliance, and product diversification.

Cocoa beans dominated Nigeria’s export basket in 2025, generating $1.99bn and accounting for nearly 33 per cent of total non-oil export earnings.

Urea fertiliser followed with $1.29bn in value, while cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and gold dore contributed $457m, $300m, and $229m respectively.

Processed products such as cocoa liquor and cashew kernels highlighted the sector’s gradual shift towards value addition.

Total export volumes rose to 8.02 million metric tonnes, up from 7.29 million in 2024, with products reaching 120 countries worldwide.

The Netherlands was the largest destination by value at $1.07bn, followed by Brazil and India with $630m and $464m respectively.

Ayeni highlighted that exports to the Netherlands grew by 32.46 per cent, driven largely by cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and sesame seeds.

Despite the strong performance, Ayeni cautioned that significant trade still occurs informally across Nigeria’s land borders, and the council is working to incorporate such activity into official records to better support exporters.

Top export companies included Indorama Eleme Fertiliser & Chemical Limited, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, and Starlink Global and Ideal Ltd, which accounted for 13.13 per cent, 8.41 per cent, and 8.06 per cent of total non-oil exports.

Banks actively facilitating export transactions included Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, and First Bank of Nigeria.

Ayeni further highlighted NEPC’s capacity-building efforts, noting that 728 training programmes reached over 96,000 participants across 36 states in 2025.

The council also funded international certifications for 210 SMEs, bringing the total certified exporters close to 700, while another 567 are undergoing certification.

Looking ahead, NEPC projects sustained growth in 2026, driven by enhanced capacity building, value addition, market diversification, and the mainstreaming of informal trade.

Also read: CBN Forecasts Stronger Growth as Nigeria Stabilises Economy

Strategic trade agreements, such as the Nigeria United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership, are expected to further boost non-oil export revenues.

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Wema Bank Opens Final Window for One-Day MD/CEO Challenge Ahead of Children’s Day

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Wema Bank Children’s Day entries close on May 20 as the bank invites children to compete for a one-day MD/CEO experience

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XM Future Music Group Investment Platform Allegedly Collapses, Users Lose Funds

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Nigerian investment platform XM Future Music Group collapses amid concerns leaves users unable to withdraw funds amid concerns over suspected Ponzi scheme promising high returns

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group Signs $300 million Deal With Accor to Develop Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform

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Kola Karim’s Shoreline Group has signed a letter of intent with Accor, a world leading hospitality group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform.

The signing took place during the Africa Forward Summit 2026 hosted jointly by Kenya and France in Nairobi.

This ambitious partnership is set to make a significant contribution to the evolving Nigerian hospitality landscape with a substantial investment from Shoreline of $300 million, leveraging Accor’s renowned brand portfolio and expertise.

As gathered the strategic collaboration aims to develop a hotel network across Nigeria, encompassing 10 hotels across eight cities and over 1,200 rooms by 2030.

These properties will span various segments, from midscale to luxury, catering to diverse travelers and contributing significantly to the nation’s tourism growth. The project also includes the establishment of a dedicated hospitality training Academy to nurture local talent and create approximately 1,000 direct jobs.

Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Shoreline Group to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s hospitality sector. This partnership is a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s dynamic future.

“By combining Shoreline’s deep understanding of the local market with Accor’s global expertise and diverse brand portfolio, we are poised to create an unparalleled hospitality offering that will set new benchmarks for quality and service.

“Crucially, the establishment of the Accor Academy is integral to this vision, enabling us to deliver immediate talent development for the Shoreline hotel portfolio, demonstrate our long-term commitment to Nigeria through dedicated training facilities, and solidify Accor’s position as the employer and educator of choice in West Africa.”

The Agbaoye of Ibadanland and  Chairman of Shoreline Group, Karim,  commenting on the development said: “This partnership is central to Shoreline’s strategy of building institutional-quality infrastructure platforms across Africa.

“We anticipate hospitality infrastructure becoming increasingly vital for capital movement and development, particularly in Nigeria where high-quality room supply is underserved. Our choice to partner with Accor highlights our focus on operational excellence and long-term value.

“The hospitality academy is crucial, alongside physical hotels, for developing local talent to sustain international standards. It will support our portfolio and enhance Nigeria’s hospitality workforce.

“This investment aligns with Shoreline’s broader focus on strategic assets in energy, infrastructure, and industrial development. We view hospitality as a natural extension: real infrastructure supporting economic activity, local capability, and national growth.”

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