Nigeria's Non-Oil Export Sector Achieves Historic Milestone with $6.1 Billion Performance
Nigeria's non-oil export sector has achieved its strongest performance on record, reaching a historic $6.1 billion in 2025 according to official data released by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This represents a significant 11.5 percent increase from the $5.46 billion recorded in the previous year, marking a major milestone in the country's economic diversification efforts.
Export Volume and Geographic Reach Expand Significantly
The impressive growth in export value was accompanied by a substantial increase in export volume, which rose by 10 percent to reach 8.02 million metric tonnes. Nigerian products found markets in 120 countries worldwide, with the Netherlands, Brazil, and India emerging as the top destinations by value. This expanded global footprint reflects Nigeria's strengthening position in international trade networks and the growing acceptance of Nigerian products across diverse markets.
The export infrastructure supported this growth through eight seaports, three international airports, and nine land borders serving as official export exit points. Notably, 94 percent of all shipments were routed through seaport facilities, highlighting the critical importance of maritime logistics in Nigeria's export ecosystem.
Zenith Bank Emerges as Leading Export-Friendly Financial Institution
Among the 30 commercial banks participating in export transactions during 2025, Zenith Bank Plc distinguished itself as the clear leader in supporting non-oil export activities. The bank accounted for 32.31 percent of all Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) forms processed throughout the year, representing the highest share among all participating financial institutions.
This performance reinforces Zenith Bank's position as Nigeria's most export-friendly bank, processing nearly one-third of all export documentation across the country. The bank's dominance in this sector reflects its comprehensive support for exporters through efficient transaction processing, documentation assistance, and compliance facilitation under the Nigeria Export Proceeds framework.
Supporting National Economic Diversification Agenda
The record-breaking export performance aligns directly with the Federal Government's economic diversification agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope framework. The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has prioritized expanding non-oil exports as a strategic component of national economic policy, with financial institutions playing a crucial supporting role.
Zenith Bank's leadership position demonstrates the bank's readiness to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian exporters as they navigate both domestic and international markets. The bank's operational strength and extensive network have positioned it as a dependable partner for businesses engaged in cross-border trade activities.
Enhanced Compliance and Quality Assurance Measures
Beyond the impressive transaction numbers, 2025 witnessed significant improvements in export compliance and quality assurance across the sector. Through collaborative efforts involving NEPC and international partners including the World Trade Organization and the International Trade Centre, Nigeria intensified initiatives to reduce export rejections and strengthen standards in key agricultural value chains.
These reforms have contributed to strengthening Nigeria's export credibility on the global stage, creating an environment where financial institutions with robust compliance frameworks become increasingly valuable to exporters. Zenith Bank's dominant participation in export proceeds processing indicates that Nigerian exporters continue to trust the institution to anchor their international trade operations effectively.
Future Outlook and Strategic Priorities
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has outlined ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond, focusing on broadening exporter participation, deepening value addition across export products, expanding export infrastructure, and strengthening regional trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As the sector continues to grow, financial institutions will remain central to sustaining momentum and supporting expansion.
With its commanding 32.31 percent share of NXP transactions in 2025, Zenith Bank has firmly established itself as Nigeria's leading export-friendly bank. The institution's continued leadership is expected to play a significant role as Nigeria works to scale non-oil exports further in the coming years, potentially reaching even greater heights in export performance and economic contribution.
The record $6.1 billion achievement represents a collective effort involving government agencies, exporters, development partners, and financial institutions. While multiple stakeholders contributed to this success, Zenith Bank stands out clearly among financial institutions for its exceptional support of Nigeria's non-oil export sector during this historic period of growth and expansion.
