Nigeria exported 281 non-oil products to 120 countries in 2025, including the UK, US, China and South Africa
Nigeria exported 281 non-oil products to 120 countries in 2025, generating $6.1 billion, according to the Vice President of the World Trade Centre (WTC) Abuja, Karim Ahmed.
Ahmed described the figure as Nigeria’s highest formally documented non-oil export performance, highlighting growing international demand for products and services from the country.
He disclosed the figures on Thursday at the Premier Export Launchpad Bootcamp, organised by the World Trade Centre Abuja to help Nigerian businesses prepare for international trade.
Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports Reach $6.1 Billion
According to Ahmed, the 2025 export performance showed that Nigerian products were already gaining access to markets across the world.
“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,” he said.
The WTC Abuja executive said the export figures demonstrated Nigeria’s ability to compete internationally across several sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the creative economy and professional services.
He noted that the country’s challenge was no longer simply producing goods and services with export potential. Instead, Nigerian businesses must build the capacity to enter foreign markets, meet international requirements and maintain a reliable presence.
Exporters Face Market and Compliance Challenges
Ahmed identified several obstacles that continue to limit the ability of Nigerian businesses to sustain international trade.
These include:
– Limited knowledge of foreign markets
– Product standards and certification requirements
– Logistics and shipping challenges
– Export documentation
– International payment systems
– Inconsistent supply and product quality
– Difficulty identifying credible buyers
He said having a good product was only the starting point for successful exporting.
“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,” Ahmed stated.
He added that Nigerian businesses needed to understand the specific requirements of their target markets before committing resources to export activities.
WTC Abuja Launches Export Readiness Programme
The Export Launchpad Bootcamp was designed to help businesses assess their readiness for international trade and identify markets where their products or services could compete effectively.
Participants were expected to gain practical knowledge on export procedures, market research, certification, logistics, financing and buyer engagement.
Ahmed said the programme would also connect businesses with 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.
From Export Ambition to Completed Transactions
The WTC Abuja vice president said the success of the bootcamp would not be determined by the number of participants or presentations delivered.
Rather, he said the programme would be judged by whether businesses closed their readiness gaps, secured the required certifications, found credible buyers and completed successful export transactions.
“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,” Ahmed said.
He explained that the World Trade Centre Abuja’s broader objective was to help Nigerian businesses move from expressing interest in exports to becoming active participants in global trade.
The organisation, he added, would continue providing businesses with access to knowledge, partnerships, professional networks and international market opportunities.
“Our intention is not merely to discuss exporting. It is to help build exporters,” Ahmed added.
What Nigeria’s Export Growth Means for Businesses
The reported $6.1 billion performance could strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s non-oil sectors, particularly among businesses seeking to expand beyond the domestic market.
However, exporters will need to focus on consistency, compliance and market intelligence to convert export opportunities into sustainable revenue.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, programmes such as the Export Launchpad Bootcamp could provide practical support in navigating the complex requirements of international trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Nigeria earn from non-oil exports in 2025?
Nigeria earned $6.1 billion from formally documented non-oil exports in 2025, according to the World Trade Centre Abuja.
How many Nigerian products were exported in 2025?
A total of 281 non-oil products were exported from Nigeria in 2025.
How many countries received Nigerian non-oil products?
Nigerian non-oil products were exported to 120 countries in 2025.
Which sectors contributed to Nigeria’s export potential?
The sectors identified include agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the creative economy and professional services.
What challenges do Nigerian exporters face?
Key challenges include market knowledge, international standards, certifications, logistics, documentation, payment systems and maintaining consistent quality.
What is the Export Launchpad Bootcamp?
The Export Launchpad Bootcamp is a World Trade Centre Abuja initiative designed to help Nigerian businesses assess export readiness, identify suitable markets and understand the practical requirements of international trade.