The International Trade Centre has uncovered a massive economic opportunity for Nigeria, revealing that the country is sitting on untapped export products worth approximately $3.9 billion. This startling revelation comes from the ITC's comprehensive analysis of global trade patterns and Nigeria's production capabilities.
Nigeria's Multi-Billion Dollar Export Potential
According to the report published on November 18, 2025, Nigeria's total export potential reaches an impressive $7.6 billion, meaning the country is currently utilizing only about half of its capacity. The analysis identifies several high-value commodities where Nigeria holds significant competitive advantages but has yet to maximize their export potential.
The International Trade Centre's Export Potential Map clearly shows that global demand patterns could generate an additional $3.9 billion in export revenue for Nigeria if the right investments and policies are implemented.
Cocoa Leads Untapped Opportunities
Cocoa, which has been one of Nigeria's leading export commodities since the 1900s, represents the single largest untapped opportunity. The ITC estimates that cocoa alone accounts for approximately $749 million in unrealized export value, constituting about 19% of Nigeria's unused export capacity.
Despite Nigeria being a net exporter of cocoa, the country continues to leave significant money on the table. The report highlights that countries like Ecuador have been capitalizing on the global cocoa demand surge while African farmers, including those in Nigeria, grapple with climate change, pests, and security challenges.
Emerging Export Champions
Beyond cocoa, several other products show tremendous promise. Cashew nuts (in shell) and urea rank among Nigeria's strongest export items, supported by solid competitiveness in global markets. However, the most surprising revelation concerns coffee, which has emerged as a rapidly growing contender in the international market.
Roasted, non-decaffeinated coffee appears alongside copper cathodes and frozen fish as Nigeria's most promising new export-growth products. The ITC emphasized the growing global demand for coffee, with major markets presenting zero tariff opportunities for Nigerian exporters.
Japan imports $1.4 billion worth of coffee annually, while Germany records $4 billion in imports and the United States leads with $5.8 billion - all at zero percent tariff for Nigerian exporters. Additional major markets include Italy ($2.2 billion), Belgium ($1.7 billion), and the Netherlands ($843 million), with only Korea imposing a modest 2% tariff.
Investment and Policy Requirements
The Cocoa Association of Nigeria has emphasized coffee's strong potential as a cash crop that could significantly boost the country's foreign exchange earnings. Dr. Victor Iyama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for CAN, stressed that "coffee can also become one of Nigeria's top non-oil revenue drivers with adequate investment and policy support."
The report also identified additional opportunities in dried Vigna mungo/radiata beans, described as among the easiest products to reach international markets, while global demand remains strong for jewellery of precious metals.
The Nigerian government has promised to continue partnering with organizations and industries to boost cocoa farming and other agricultural exports. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently announced that Nigeria has been earning massive profits from the international demand surge for cocoa, indicating awareness at the highest levels of government about these opportunities.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, the ITC report provides a clear roadmap for unlocking billions of dollars in export revenue through strategic focus on high-potential commodities where the country already possesses competitive advantages.
