Key Points
- Non-oil exports surged 21 percent, reaching $12.8 billion and nearly doubling targets.
- FMITI strengthened exporters and farmers, training 27,000+ and providing hybrid seedlings.
- Special Economic Zones generated $500 million in revenue and created 20,000+ jobs.
Nigeria posted a N12 trillion trade surplus in the first half of 2025. Non-oil exports grew 21 percent, reaching $12.8 billion, signaling a real rebound in trade after some slow years. Officials say reforms that made it easier to export goods helped push the numbers up.
Trade growth and key products
Trade overall rose 14 percent. Products like cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, shea butter, ginger, hibiscus flowers, rubber, and palm oil all saw stronger sales.
More value is now being added before the goods leave the country, which has helped drive growth.
Ministry support and collaboration
The ministry in charge, FMITI, focused last year on supporting exporters, attracting investors, and helping businesses reach new markets.
They worked with other government agencies and the private sector to make ideas actually happen.
Non-oil exports nearly doubled expectations. The $6.5 billion target was crushed, landing at $12.8 billion.
FMITI also worked with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council. Over 27,000 people got training, 200 small and medium businesses earned international trade certification, and more than 3,000 farmers received hybrid seedlings.
Women-led businesses benefited from the Women Export Fund. It received more than 67,000 applications and gave grants to 146 companies.
Special Economic Zones
Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones generated more than $500 million in export revenue and created over 20,000 jobs.
Managed by NEPZA and OGFZA, these zones remain key to industrial growth and employment.
On investment, the ministry says projects are now easier to find and follow. Four projects worth $13.7 billion moved forward, converting a quarter of agreements into real work. Roadshows, meetings, and investor outreach helped turn ideas into actual projects.
The message is clear: Nigeria is open for business, and officials say the country is ready to take on global challenges.
