Abuja | September 13, 2025 — Nigeria recorded a sharp rise in its trade surplus in the second quarter of 2025, with the figure increasing by 44 per cent compared to the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The bureau reported that the country’s total merchandise trade in Q2 2025 stood at ₦38,037.52 billion, representing a 20.05 per cent growth over the ₦31,683.75 billion recorded in Q2 2024. The figure also reflected a 5.59 per cent increase from the first quarter of 2025.
The improved trade balance was attributed to stronger crude oil exports, rising non-oil exports, and steady import levels. Analysts note that the surplus provides a cushion for Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves and could support the stability of the naira in the coming months.
The NBS emphasized that the performance underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s external sector despite global economic headwinds, including fluctuating oil prices and supply chain disruptions.
Economic experts, however, advised that Nigeria must consolidate the gains by diversifying exports beyond crude oil and reducing import dependence to ensure long-term sustainability of its trade balance.
