Nigeria’s trade surplus grows as exports beat imports in Q3 2025
Nigeria’s trade surplus reached N6.69tn in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 27.29% year-on-year increase. Experts credit this growth to economic reforms, especially in the foreign exchange market. Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policies have made exports more competitive and slowed imports. Despite some sectoral challenges, stakeholders say Nigeria’s trade structure is moving in the right direction.
TLDR
- Nigeria’s exports hit N22.81tn in Q3 2025, while imports were N16.12tn, leading to a N6.69tn surplus.
- The surplus rose 27.29% from Q3 2024, but dropped 10.36% compared to Q2 2025.
- Economic reforms, including FX market liberalisation and currency adjustments, boosted export competitiveness.
- Crude oil dominated exports at N12.81tn, while non-oil exports are expected to keep growing.
- Experts urge policy consistency to maintain gains and support Nigeria’s shift toward an export-led economy.
