Nigeria’s exports to African countries climbed to N4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year increase compared to N4.21 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), reviewed by Ecofin Agency, show that West Africa remained Nigeria’s largest export market on the continent, absorbing more than 62 per cent of total exports to Africa during the period.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) accounted for N2.995 trillion worth of Nigerian goods, reflecting a 16 per cent year-on-year growth. Fuel emerged as the most purchased Nigerian product by the regional bloc, with imports valued at nearly N298 billion.
Commenting on the trend, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, told Bloomberg that the figures underscore Nigeria’s growing importance “as a hub for intra-continental trade and value chains.” He added that the performance signals strengthening regional trade momentum.
Despite the growth, exports to Africa still accounted for only about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports, which were estimated at N43.3 trillion in the first half of 2025. Africa ranked as Nigeria’s fourth-largest export destination, trailing Europe with N17.3 trillion, Asia with N14.1 trillion, and the Americas with N6.9 trillion.
To deepen its presence in continental trade, Nigeria has intensified efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These measures include tariff concessions and 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.
The latest export figures highlight both Nigeria’s expanding regional trade footprint and the untapped potential for deeper integration with African markets.
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