Nigeria's Non-Oil Exports Increased by 21% in 2025, Over 1,000 SMEs Certified, Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu announced that Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose by 21 percent last year. More than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received export certification. This is part of efforts to move the economy away from oil and create more business opportunities.

The president shared this information on Friday during his Democracy Day speech. He also mentioned that the National Agricultural Development Fund will provide 10,000 tractors over five years to support farmers.

“Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment,” he said.

Nigeria's non-oil exports saw a significant increase last year. This growth was driven by rising global demand for products like cocoa, urea/fertiliser, and cashew nuts. Government trade initiatives and regional trade agreements also played a part.

The African Continental Free Trade Area helped boost non-oil exports in 2025. It opened market access and offered tariff relief to exporters.

During the year, Nigeria exported 281 different non-oil products. The top destinations for these products included the Netherlands, Brazil, India, Belgium, and the United States, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

The president mentioned that investor confidence has increased since economic reforms started in 2023. Investments are growing in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries.

“Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management,” he noted.

He added that federation revenues have gone up. This increase provides states and local governments with more funds for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security.

Tinubu emphasized that infrastructure projects across Nigeria are connecting producers to markets. They are also creating jobs and business opportunities.

He stated that the next stage of his administration will focus on speeding up growth. He wants to ensure that all Nigerians feel the benefits of government policies.

“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region,” he said.

The president stressed that democracy should bring economic opportunities for citizens. This includes farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers.

“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives, in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers,” he noted.