Nigeria Achieves Record $6.1 Billion Non-Oil Exports in 2025, NEPC Reports
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has declared that Nigeria recorded a non-oil export value of $6.1 billion in 2025, marking the highest figure in the country's history. This milestone was accompanied by an export volume of 8.02 million metric tonnes, showcasing significant growth in the non-oil sector.
Expanding Global Reach and Product Diversity
Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, revealed that the council exported 281 different products to more than 120 countries worldwide, including 32 African nations. This achievement underscores the increasing importance of non-oil exports to Nigeria's economy, diversifying away from traditional oil reliance.
Speaking at a two-day needs assessment and validation workshop held in Kano, Ayeni emphasized that NEPC has intensified efforts to enhance Nigeria's non-oil exports. A renewed focus has been placed on compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, particularly within the sesame and cowpea value chains.
Addressing Compliance Gaps and Improving Communication
The initiative aims to address existing gaps and improve communication strategies regarding SPS compliance among various stakeholders. The workshop in Kano brought together farmers, exporters, regulators, and development partners to develop an effective framework for awareness and adherence to international food safety standards.
Ayeni explained that the programme, operating under the STDF 845 initiative, is designed to reduce the rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports in international markets. She noted that SPS compliance remains critical for expanding Nigeria's global market share, especially for key commodities like sesame and cowpea.
Collaborative Efforts and Progress in Standards
According to Ayeni, NEPC, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and other agencies, has made significant progress in reducing export rejections through improved standards and enhanced stakeholder engagement. The STDF 845 project, launched by the World Trade Organisation and ITC in 2024, has established working groups and facilitated collaboration with regulatory agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).
The NEPC boss stressed the importance of effective communication in ensuring that farmers and exporters fully understand and comply with international requirements. This approach is vital for maintaining the quality and safety of exported goods.
Support from International Partners
Also speaking at the event, Simon Heisig, the Project Manager at ITC, highlighted that the organisation is supporting small and medium enterprises in developing countries to meet export standards. He pointed out that many agricultural products are often rejected at international borders due to non-compliance with technical regulations.
Heisig stated that the collaboration with NEPC aims to ensure that Nigerian farmers, processors, and exporters meet global food safety standards, thereby boosting export volumes. He expressed optimism that the project would lead to increased compliance among farmers and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in global markets.
This comprehensive effort reflects a strategic push to strengthen Nigeria's non-oil export sector, leveraging international partnerships and rigorous standards to achieve sustainable economic growth.
