Abuja, Nigeria | September 19, 2025
Nigeria’s manufacturing sector continues to face a wide trade imbalance, as imports of manufactured goods significantly outpace exports despite recent improvements.
According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, exports of manufactured goods rose to ₦803.81 billion in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 173 percent increase from the first quarter and 67.17 percent growth compared with the same period last year. Imports, however, remain far higher, with Q1 2025 alone recording about ₦7.51 trillion worth of manufactured goods brought into the country.
Industry leaders say the surge in exports is encouraging but far from sufficient to offset Nigeria’s dependence on foreign products.
The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, described the imbalance as a “troubling confirmation” of the challenges facing local production. Similarly, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Idahosa, noted that the gap reflects Nigeria’s reliance on imported raw materials, which continues to undermine domestic capacity.
While officials highlight the growth in exports as a positive sign, stakeholders warn that without structural reforms and improved local supply of inputs, the deficit in manufactured trade will persist, deepening pressure on the economy.