Nigeria’s coal mining industry has emerged as the country’s best-performing sector in the second quarter of 2025, recording an impressive growth rate of 57.7%, according to data jointly released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Following coal mining, the quarrying and other minerals subsector grew by 45.9%, while rail transport and pipelines recorded a 43.1% growth rate, reflecting notable recovery and expansion across key segments of the real sector.

Water transport and road transport also showed strong performances, growing by 27.9% and 24.5% respectively. The crude petroleum and natural gas sector grew by 20.5%, maintaining its central role in Nigeria’s economy despite ongoing global energy transitions.

In the services sector, financial institutions expanded by 16.2%, oil refining increased by 15.8%, insurance by 15.7%, while electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply rose by 11.5%.

Analysts say the performance highlights a gradual diversification of Nigeria’s economy, with non-oil sectors like mining and transportation showing significant potential for long-term growth and job creation.