Nigeria Posts Historic N12.64trn Trade Surplus in H1 2025

Nigeria has recorded its first-ever half-year trade surplus, with exports surpassing imports to deliver a positive balance of N12.64 trillion in the first six months of 2025.

Nigeria’s total exports in the period stood at N43.35 trillion, while imports amounted to N30.71 trillion, bringing overall trade to N74.06 trillion. This performance marks the first time in the country’s history that exports have significantly outpaced imports over a half-year cycle.

The development is being hailed as a milestone for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has prioritised reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, strengthening foreign exchange earnings, and boosting non-oil trade.

Economic analysts note that the surplus reflects stronger export receipts from both hydrocarbons and non-oil sectors, coupled with tighter import demand. The positive trade balance is expected to ease pressure on Nigeria’s external reserves and support the naira in the foreign exchange market.

Government officials say the performance underscores the benefits of recent policy measures designed to improve production capacity, attract investment, and diversify Nigeria’s export base.