Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports to ECOWAS Hit 663 Million Metric Tonnes in Six Months

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has revealed that Nigeria shipped 663 million metric tonnes of goods to 11 ECOWAS countries in the first half of 2025. This marks a notable rise from the same period last year, underscoring the country’s growing role in West African trade.

NEPC Director-General, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, shared the figures during the Sunday council’s half-year non-oil export performance briefing in Abuja. She noted that beyond ECOWAS, Nigeria also exported 488 million metric tonnes of products worth $83.5 million to 21 other African nations—a 2.59% increase in value from 2024.

Ayeni credited the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement for opening new opportunities for Nigerian exporters, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. “AfCFTA holds the key to intra-African trade,” she said.

Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemical Ltd, Starlink Global, and Ideal Ltd topped the exporters’ list, contributing 11.92% and 8.82% respectively to the total non-oil export volume. Banks also played a central role, with Zenith Bank leading by processing nearly one-third of all Nigeria Export Proceed Forms in the period.

Most exports left through seaports, which handled 94% of the traffic, while land borders and airports comprised the rest. NEPC also ran over 250 training programmes for more than 27,000 Nigerians, covering export procedures, packaging, and quality standards.

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