Nigeria's Major Exports: Oil Dominates, But Agriculture and Minerals Matter

Nigeria's export economy is heavily skewed toward hydrocarbons, but non-oil sectors are significant.

Top Exports (by value)

1. Crude Petroleum – ~85–90% of export earnings.
2. Petroleum Products (refined) – Growing with Dangote Refinery.
3. Natural Gas / LNG – Major and expanding.
4. Cocoa Beans – World's 4th largest exporter.
5. Sesame Seeds – Top global supplier.
6. Cashew Nuts – Rapidly growing.
7. Ginger, Hibiscus, Shea Butter – Niche agro-exports.
8. Solid Minerals: Tin, Columbite, Tantalite, Gold, Lead/Zinc (underdeveloped).
9. Leather & Textiles – Kano's historic industry.
10. Manufactured Goods: Cement, fertilizers, plastics (regional West African market).

Challenges

• Over-reliance on oil (Dutch Disease).
• Infrastructure deficits (ports, power, rail).
• Quality standards, value-addition gaps.
• Security, policy inconsistency.

Diversification Push

Government's "Zero Oil Plan" targets $30B non-oil exports by 2025 via agro-processing, solid minerals, and services.