Nigeria’s trade with African nations surged by 14% in the first half of 2025, highlighting the country’s growing influence in regional commerce. According to a Bloomberg report citing Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Services, trade with the continent rose by ₦600 billion ($415 million), reaching 4.82 trillion naira in the six months through June.
“This is a clear signal of strengthening regional trade momentum,” Adeniyi said, underscoring Nigeria’s expanding role as a hub for intra-African commerce. He noted that exports to members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) climbed significantly, reflecting both increased production capacity and more integrated value chains across the region.
The growth comes as the Federal Government pursues reforms to streamline customs procedures and improve transportation links with neighboring countries, long-standing obstacles that have limited trade within Africa. “Reducing bottlenecks and facilitating smoother cross-border flows is central to our strategy,” Adeniyi said.
Concrete measures have also been taken to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Industry, Trade, and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole highlighted initiatives such as tariff concessions and the creation of a dedicated air-cargo corridor linking Nigeria to East Africa. These steps have cut export costs by roughly 75%, making Nigerian goods more competitive across the continent.
Analysts say the expansion in trade reflects not just policy adjustments, but also Nigeria’s broader economic position. Its large population, industrial base, and geographic location make it a natural distribution and production hub for West Africa and beyond. By enhancing regional logistics and reducing trade frictions, the country is solidifying its role as a central player in continental commerce.
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Officials also emphasised that continued investment in infrastructure, including roads, ports, and air transport, will be critical to sustaining this momentum. The government has stressed that integrating Nigeria more fully into African trade networks will not only boost exports but also create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and strengthen economic resilience.
The early 2025 figures suggest that Nigeria’s strategic focus on intra-African trade is yielding tangible results. As AfCFTA implementation deepens and transport corridors expand, the nation’s footprint in regional markets is expected to grow further, reinforcing its position as a leading commercial gateway in Africa.