The Federal Government of Nigeria has reported that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) generated over $500 million in export revenues and created more than 20,000 direct jobs in 2025, reinforcing their role as engines of industrialisation, employment, and export-led growth.
The figures were disclosed in an official review document by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, titled “2025: A Defining Year for Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment.” The document highlighted that these achievements were driven by coordinated activities from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, under reforms executed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the ministry, 2025 was a landmark year for Nigeria’s economic repositioning, with reforms that expanded industrial capacity, diversified exports, and restored investor confidence. The progress reflected collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and development partners, focusing on investment attraction, trade expansion, and institutional strengthening.
Non-Oil Exports Surge
Beyond SEZ performance, non-oil exports grew by 21% to $12.8 billion in the first half of 2025, almost double the $6.5 billion target. This growth contributed to an N12 trillion trade surplus during the period, while overall trade value expanded by 14%, driven by trade facilitation reforms and improved logistics.
Leading non-oil export products included: Cocoa and cocoa derivatives, Sesame seeds, Cashew nuts, Shea butter, Ginger, Hibiscus flowers, Rubber, Palm oil derivatives, Fertilisers and cement, Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Capacity Building and Inclusive Trade Initiatives
The ministry, in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, strengthened export capacity by: Training 27,352 exporters, Certifying 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for international trade, Supporting 3,047 farmers with hybrid seedlings
The review also highlighted inclusive trade initiatives. The Women Export Fund attracted over 67,000 applications and awarded grants to 146 women-led enterprises.
Investment Attraction and Engagements
Nigeria also recorded strong investment gains in 2025, with four priority projects valued at $13.7 billion advancing from signed MoUs worth $50.8 billion. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, led high-level bilateral engagements and trade missions, boosting investor confidence and deal flow quality.
The ministry stated that the Federal Government plans to build on 2025 outcomes in 2026 by focusing on execution, accelerating exports, and sustaining investment to drive job creation and shared prosperity.
Leave a comment