Nigeria's Non-Oil Exports Jump 21% in 2025, 1,000 SMEs Certified

President Bola Tinubu announced a 21% growth in Nigeria's non-oil exports for 2025, with over 1,000 SMEs certified for export, signaling economic diversification efforts.

NGN Market

Written by NGN Market

·2 min read
Nigeria's Non-Oil Exports Jump 21% in 2025, 1,000 SMEs Certified

President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigeria’s non-oil exports experienced a significant 21% growth in 2025. This surge was accompanied by the certification of over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for export activities, underscoring the administration's commitment to diversifying the economy away from its traditional reliance on oil.

Tinubu disclosed these figures during his Democracy Day address, highlighting the positive trajectory of non-oil trade. He also mentioned that the National Agricultural Development Fund is set to deploy 10,000 tractors over a five-year period to bolster the agricultural sector.

The President noted that infrastructure projects across the nation are playing a crucial role in connecting producers to markets, thereby fostering enterprise and employment opportunities. Nigeria's non-oil exports saw a remarkable increase last year, driven by robust global demand for commodities such as cocoa, urea/fertiliser, and cashew, in addition to supportive government trade initiatives and regional trade agreements.

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The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) further contributed to this growth by expanding market access and providing tariff relief for Nigerian exporters. In 2025, Nigeria exported a diverse range of 281 non-oil products. The primary destinations for these exports were the Netherlands, Brazil, India, Belgium, and the United States, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

President Tinubu also stated that investor confidence has been restored since the implementation of economic reforms in 2023. This has led to increased investments in key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries. He asserted that the reforms have brought stability and credibility to economic management, resulting in increased federation revenues that provide more resources for states and local governments.

Looking ahead, the administration plans to focus on accelerating economic growth and ensuring that the benefits of government policies reach all citizens. The President reiterated that democracy should translate into tangible economic opportunities, improving the quality of life, creating opportunities for youth, supporting entrepreneurs, and ensuring the dignity of workers.

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