Nigeria’s Non‑Oil Exports Hit Record $6.1 Billion in 2025, Driven by Women‑Led SMEs

*TL;DR: Nigeria’s non‑oil exports surged to a record $6.1 billion and 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, a growth linked to women‑led small and medium enterprises.

Context The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) announced that the country now ships goods to 210 markets, covering Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. The data comes from a conference in Abuja focused on strengthening women‑led businesses for inclusive growth.

Key Facts - Export value hit $6.1 billion, the highest since the council’s inception. - Export volume reached 8.02 million metric tonnes, also a historic peak. - Nigerian firms now market 281 products across 36 African nations, including 11 ECOWAS members. - Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute about 96 % of all businesses; women operate roughly 40 % of these firms. - NEPC’s recent programmes have emphasized capacity building, certification, and market‑access support, especially for women exporters.

What It Means The record figures signal that Nigeria is consolidating its role as a regional trade hub. Policy continuity and targeted assistance have enabled SMEs to meet international standards, expanding market reach. Women‑led firms, representing a sizable share of the SME sector, are now central to export diversification and job creation.

Government officials highlighted the need to move beyond participation to dominance for women in trade. Initiatives such as the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy program are providing digital tools and financing pathways, aiming to overcome long‑standing barriers.

If the current trajectory holds, Nigeria could see further expansion of its non‑oil export basket, reducing reliance on petroleum revenues and strengthening economic resilience. Stakeholders will watch how scaling finance and digital adoption among women‑owned firms translates into sustained growth beyond 2025.