Nigeria’s exports to Africa hits N4.82trn

Nigeria’s exports to African countries climbed to N4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year increase from N4.21 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

Data reviewed from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) by Ecofin Agency showed that West Africa remained Nigeria’s largest export market on the continent, accounting for more than 62 per cent of total African-bound exports.

The region, largely made up of ECOWAS member states, absorbed goods valued at N2.995 trillion, reflecting a 16 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Fuel products dominated Nigeria’s exports to West Africa, with purchases by the regional bloc valued at nearly N298 billion during the period under review.

Speaking on the trend, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, told Bloomberg that the figures underscore Nigeria’s growing importance in regional commerce.

According to him, the export performance highlights Nigeria’s position “as a hub for intra-continental trade and value chains,” adding that the data signals strengthening regional trade momentum.

Despite the growth, exports to Africa accounted for just about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports in the first half of 2025, estimated at N43.3 trillion.

Africa ranked as Nigeria’s fourth-largest export destination, trailing Europe, which received exports valued at N17.3 trillion, Asia with N14.1 trillion, and the Americas at N6.9 trillion.

In a bid to deepen trade ties within the continent, Nigeria has stepped up efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

These initiatives include the granting of tariff concessions and the launch, in May 2025, of a dedicated air freight corridor to East Africa, a move expected to cut export logistics costs to the region by 50 to 75 per cent.

Trade analysts believe the measures could improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in African markets and help diversify export destinations beyond traditional regions.