Nigeria’s non-oil exports climbed 24.75% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching $1.791 billion, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Nonye Ayeni, NEPC’s executive director, said on Monday that this was “the highest value of export since the council was established 49 years ago.”She noted that Nigeria exported 2.416 million metric tonnes of goods — a jump of 243.44% compared to Q1 2024.

“These efforts are impacting positively on non-oil export volumes and proceeds,” Ayeni said.A total of 197 different products were exported, up from 162 last year.

Top products included cocoa and its derivatives, urea, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and gold dore. Cocoa beans alone accounted for 45% of total non-oil exports.Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemical Limited and Starlink Global & Ideal Limited led exporters, Ayeni said, highlighting that ECOWAS countries imported over 362,000 metric tonnes of Nigerian goods, a 223% jump from last year.

“This is evidence that the non-oil export is increasing and all stakeholders are taking advantage of the potential and opportunities inherent in the sector,” she added.

Ayeni also stressed the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying it “holds the key to intra-African trade” with its promise of connecting 55 African countries.