Nigeria’s total merchandise trade increased by 19.1% quarter-on-quarter to ₦41.44 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, supported by a strong rise in exports.
Exports climbed 27.6% during the quarter to ₦27.02 trillion, widening Nigeria’s trade surplus as the country recorded stronger external sales.
A key development was the changing composition of Nigeria’s exports. Non-crude exports accounted for 52.2% of total exports in the second quarter, surpassing crude oil, which contributed 47.8%.
The shift highlights growing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s export base beyond petroleum and increase the contribution of other sectors to the country’s international trade.
The stronger export performance also comes as Nigeria seeks to expand opportunities for locally produced goods and strengthen its position in regional and international markets.
Ken Ife, Lead Consultant for Industry and Private Sector Development at the ECOWAS Commission, discussed the changing export profile and the implications for Nigeria’s trade outlook.
The latest figures point to an increasingly important role for non-crude products in Nigeria’s export earnings, although crude oil remains a significant component of the country’s external trade.
For Nigeria, sustaining export growth will depend on strengthening productive capacity, improving competitiveness and creating stronger market opportunities for locally produced goods across the wider economy.