Nigeria has recorded a significant 14 per cent year-on-year increase in its exports to African countries during the first half of 2025, according to recent data. The total value of these exports reached N4.82 trillion, up from N4.21 trillion in the same period of 2024.
West Africa Dominates as Key Export Destination
West Africa emerged as the dominant region for Nigerian goods, absorbing more than 62 per cent of the country's total exports to the continent. Specifically, countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) purchased goods worth N2.995 trillion from Nigeria. This represents a substantial 16 per cent increase compared to the previous year and underscores the strong trade ties within the region.
Fuel Products Lead Export Categories
Fuel products topped Nigeria's export list to the region, with purchases amounting to nearly N298 billion. This highlights the continued reliance on energy exports as a key component of Nigeria's trade portfolio with its African neighbors.
Regional Trade Momentum Strengthens
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commented on the trend, noting that it highlights Nigeria's growing importance as a hub for intra-African trade and regional value chains. He described the increase as "a clear signal of strengthening regional trade momentum."
Africa's Position in Nigeria's Overall Export Landscape
Despite the growth, exports to Africa accounted for only about 10 per cent of Nigeria's total exports in the first half of 2025, which stood at an estimated N43.3 trillion. Africa ranked as Nigeria's fourth-largest export destination, behind Europe with N17.3 trillion, Asia with N14.1 trillion, and the Americas with N6.9 trillion.
Boosting Trade Under AfCFTA Initiatives
Nigeria has continued to implement measures aimed at boosting trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These initiatives include:
- Tariff concessions to facilitate smoother trade flows.
- The launch of an air freight corridor to East Africa in May 2025, which is expected to cut export costs to the region by between 50 and 75 per cent.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria's role in intra-African commerce and leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA framework.
