Nigeria exported 281 non-oil products to 120 countries in 2025, earned $6.1bn

Nigeria exported 281 non-oil products to 120 countries in 2025, generating $6.1bn, according to the World Trade Centre Abuja. The figure is the country's highest formally documented non-oil export performance.

Karim Ahmed, Vice President of the World Trade Centre Abuja, disclosed this at the Premier Export Launchpad Bootcamp organised by the centre on Thursday.

Highest documented non-oil export performance

“In 2025, Nigeria recorded its highest formally documented non-oil export performance, valued at US$6.1 billion. During the year, 281 non-oil products were exported to 120 countries,” Ahmed said.

He said the exports covered agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the creative economy and professional services. He argued that Nigerian products were already gaining access to international markets.

“These figures demonstrate that Nigerian products are already finding markets around the world. The question, therefore, is not whether Nigeria has products and services that the world wants. Clearly, we do,” he stated.

Challenges for Nigerian exporters

Ahmed said the bigger issue is whether Nigerian businesses can compete sustainably. He listed market knowledge, standards, certifications, logistics, documentation, payment systems and consistency as key challenges.

“The more important question is whether our businesses have the knowledge, systems, standards and consistency required to enter those markets successfully and remain competitive,” Ahmed said.

He added that having a good product is only the beginning. Exporters must understand target markets, positioning, standards, logistics, payment and consistent delivery.

“Businesses must understand which markets to enter, how to position their offerings, the standards and certifications required, how to manage logistics and documentation, how to secure payment, and how to deliver consistently and profitably,” he said.

Bootcamp to help build exporters

Ahmed said the Export Launchpad Bootcamp was designed to help businesses assess their readiness for international trade, identify viable markets and understand practical export requirements. Participants would also meet potential buyers, financial institutions, logistics providers, regulators and professional advisers.

“Our ambition is that you do not leave today with simply a folder of presentations. You should leave with greater clarity about where your business stands, the gaps you need to close and the actions required to move forward,” he said.

He said the success of the programme will be judged by actual export transactions, not attendance.

“Ultimately, the success of this Bootcamp will not be measured by the number of people in this room or the presentations delivered today. It will be measured by what happens afterwards: the businesses that close their readiness gaps, obtain the required certifications, identify credible buyers, enter new markets and complete successful export transactions,” Ahmed stated.

The World Trade Centre Abuja, he said, will keep connecting Nigerian businesses with knowledge, partnerships and market opportunities.

“Our intention is not merely to discuss exporting. It is to help build exporters,” he added.

For Nigerian businesses, the figures confirm that demand exists for local products abroad. The next step is closing the capacity and standards gaps needed to turn that demand into steady export earnings.