Nigeria’s agricultural export revenue jumps 65% to ₦1.7tn in Q1 2025

Nigeria’s agricultural export revenue recorded a significant increase in the first quarter of 2025, rising to ₦1.7 trillion on the back of strong global demand for the country’s key farm products.

Data from the period show that agricultural exports grew by 65 per cent year-on-year, compared with ₦1.035 trillion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024, underscoring the growing contribution of the sector to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

Cocoa products dominated export receipts during the period, with standard quality cocoa beans emerging as the top export, generating ₦254,125.57 million. This was followed by superior quality cocoa beans, which earned ₦193,963.47 million. Natural cocoa butter also recorded strong performance, contributing ₦87,815.92 million, driven by increased demand from the global chocolate and cosmetics industries.

Other major export commodities included cashew nuts in shell, which generated ₦58,800.50 million, largely destined for Asian markets, and sesamum seeds, which earned ₦48,786.68 million amid sustained demand from Europe and Asia.

Europe and Asia remained Nigeria’s leading agricultural export destinations during the quarter. Countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Vietnam were key markets, particularly for cocoa, cashew nuts and sesame seeds.

Analysts say the strong performance reflects improved export capacity, favourable international prices and growing global demand for Nigerian agricultural produce, positioning the sector as a critical driver of economic growth in 2025.