Nonye Ayeni has disclosed that Nigeria’s non-oil exports soared to an impressive $3.225 billion in the first half of 2025, a 19.59 per cent jump from the $2.696 billion recorded in the same period of 2024. She described this growth as a strong signal that Nigeria’s economy is steadily reducing its dependence on crude oil revenue.
Nonye Ayeninoted that the figures emerged from a detailed analysis of the NEPC’s mid-year trade performance report, which tracked diverse export products ranging from agricultural produce to solid minerals. She said the upward trend is evidence of the resilience and creativity of Nigerian exporters despite prevailing global market uncertainties.
Nonye Ayeni Attributes Gains to Strategic Export Diversification
Nonye Ayeni attributed the significant growth to Nigeria’s deliberate diversification agenda, which has focused on promoting value-added processing rather than raw commodity exports. She emphasised that this strategy has helped Nigerian products command better prices in the international market.
Nonye Ayeni explained that targeted policies, improved access to export financing, and capacity-building initiatives for small and medium-scale exporters have all contributed to this achievement. She added that trade agreements with key foreign markets have also opened new channels for Nigerian goods to thrive globally.
Nonye Ayeni Warns Against Over-Reliance on Agricultural Commodities
Nonye Ayeni cautioned that while agriculture has been the backbone of Nigeria’s non-oil exports, the nation risks vulnerability if it fails to develop industrial and manufactured goods exports. She pointed out that commodity price volatility can quickly erode the hard-earned gains.
Nonye Ayeni stressed that a sustainable export strategy must integrate manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology-based products. She maintained that this would protect Nigeria from the “boom-and-bust” cycles that have historically plagued its commodity-dependent economy.
Nonye Ayeni Urges States to Drive Local Export Agendas
Ayeni urged Nigerian state governments to take ownership of the export drive by identifying and developing their unique comparative advantages. She lamented that many states are sitting on untapped wealth in the form of crops, minerals, and artisanal products.
Ayeni suggested that states could establish export hubs, streamline logistics, and invest in standardisation facilities to ensure their products meet global certification requirements. She insisted that decentralising export promotion will boost rural incomes and reduce unemployment.
Nonye Ayeni Flags Bottlenecks in Export Logistics
Ayeni raised concerns over persistent logistical challenges such as congested ports, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and cumbersome customs procedures. She warned that unless these bottlenecks are addressed, Nigeria risks losing its competitive edge to other emerging markets.
Ayeni highlighted that exporters still grapple with high freight charges and bureaucratic delays, which reduce profit margins and discourage investment. She called for urgent reforms in port management, railway connectivity, and border clearance systems to ease trade flows.
Ayeni Calls for Aggressive Global Branding of Nigerian Products
Ayeni stressed that Nigeria must improve its international branding to compete in high-value markets. She argued that “Made in Nigeria” should become synonymous with quality, innovation, and cultural richness, not just cheap raw materials.
Ayeni proposed that the NEPC partner with embassies, trade missions, and diaspora networks to aggressively market Nigerian products abroad. She added that strategic storytelling about Nigeria’s rich heritage could open premium markets for local goods.
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