Cocoa, cashew dominate Nigeria’s agricultural exports in 2025

Nigeria’s push toward export diversification showed measurable progress in 2025, as non-oil exports stood at N12.36 trillion, up from N9.09 trillion in 2024.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that agricultural products contributed 41.04% of total non-oil exports, highlighting the strong role of agriculture in Nigeria’s export performance, with exports driven primarily by cocoa, which accounted for 24.61% of total non-oil exports.

According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria’s non-oil export volume also rose to 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024, representing a 10% increase.

This indicates that the growth in exports was driven not only by higher prices, but also by larger quantities shipped to international markets.

Despite progress, Nigeria’s agricultural export basket remains heavily concentrated in a few commodities, particularly cocoa, leaving earnings exposed to global price cycles.

Although NBS now classifies the data as “major traded agricultural products,” from Q2 2025, the compositions are still largely export driven such as cocoa, sesame, and cashew, meaning the data continues to serve as a strong proxy for Nigeria’s agricultural exports.

Below are Nigeria’s top traded agricultural products in 2025, largely driven by exports.

Soya beans (excluding seeds)

Raw soya bean exports fell sharply in 2025, highlighting challenges in both supply and global demand

• Export value: N47.48 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 0.38%
• Year-on-year growth: -62.08%

The sharp decline is likely driven by domestic production constraints and global competition in raw soybean markets.

Major export destinations for soya beans (excluding seeds) included India, Canada, the United States, Sri Lanka, and the Gabon Republic.

Other Frozen shrimps and prawns

Seafood exports posted moderate growth in 2025, reflecting international demand for high-value protein.

• Export value: N81.41 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 0.66%
• Year-on-year growth: +9.27%

The growth shows potential for expanding Nigeria’s seafood export sector, particularly in premium markets.

Other cut flowers & flower buds

Horticultural exports remained a relatively small but stable segment, contributing modestly to total non-oil export earnings.

• Export value: N86.57 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 0.70%
• Year-on-year growth: -0.25%

The minimal change indicates consistent global interest in Nigeria’s ornamental products, even as this sector represents a smaller portion of overall exports.

Flours and meals of soya beans

Soybean derivative exports contracted sharply in 2025.

• Export value: N94.92 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 0.77%
• Year-on-year growth: -54.91%

The decline likely reflects weak external demand and reduced domestic production, limiting Nigeria’s competitiveness in soybean products.

Flours and meals of soya beans were primarily exported to the United States, France, Canada, and Israel.

Cashew nuts Shelled

Shelled cashew exports recorded substantial growth, reflecting increased local processing.

• Export value: N183.87 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 1.49%
• Year-on-year growth: +94.72%

The strong growth suggests expansion in domestic cashew processing facilities, shifting exports from raw nuts toward higher value products.

Shelled cashew nuts were exported mainly to Vietnam, India, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Natural cocoa butter

Cocoa butter exports reflect Nigeria’s emerging value-added export segment.

• Export value: N320.06 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 2.59%
• Year-on-year growth: +5.09%

While still smaller than raw cocoa export volumes, cocoa butter earns higher revenue per unit, used extensively in both chocolate production and cosmetics.

Natural cocoa butter was exported to Germany, the Netherlands, Estonia, South Africa, and France.

Sesamum seeds

Sesamum seeds remain a significant export crop, although they experienced a contraction in 2025.

• Export value: N456.10 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 3.69%
• Year-on-year growth: -25.56%

This drop points to pressure from both pricing and supply constraints, particularly in key producing states.

Sesamum seeds were mainly exported to China, Japan, Turkey, and Greece.

Cashew nuts in shell 

Cashew nuts in shell continued to show robust growth, driven by global demand for raw nuts.

• Export value: N598.71 billion
• Share of non-oil exports: 4.85%
• Year-on-year growth: +89.11%

Nigeria’s strong performance in this segment highlights its position as a major cashew producer, with most exports going to processing countries.

Cashew nuts in shell were exported mainly to Vietnam, India, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Standard quality Cocoa beans

Standard quality cocoa beans recorded strong growth, reflecting rising global demand for mid-tier cocoa.

• Export value: N1.47 trillion
• Share of non-oil exports: 11.94%
• Year-on-year growth: +117.29%

A larger proportion of Nigeria’s cocoa exports in 2025 came from standard quality beans, as international buyers increasingly sought this grade to meet their processing and production needs

Standard quality cocoa beans were exported to the Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, Canada, and Italy, highlighting expanding global demand for Nigeria’s non-premium cocoa.

Superior quality Cocoa beans

Superior quality cocoa beans remained Nigeria’s largest single agricultural export, contributing the highest share of non-oil export earnings.

• Export value: N1.57 trillion
• Share of non-oil exports: 12.67%
• Year-on-year growth: -8.52%

Exports of superior quality cocoa declined slightly in 2025, possibly due to limited supply of premium beans or global price adjustments.

Superior quality cocoa beans were mainly exported to the Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Canada, with Europe continuing to dominate as the primary market.

What you should know 

• Cocoa and cashew dominate: Together, they make up a large share of non-oil export earnings. Premium cocoa may be declining slightly, but standard quality cocoa is in strong demand internationally.
• Value-added exports are growing but small: Cocoa butter and shelled cashews are bringing in higher revenue per unit, signaling that local processing is starting to pay off, though there’s still room to grow.
• Volume matters as much as price: The 10% increase in export tonnage shows that growth isn’t just about higher global prices—it’s also about shipping more.
• Risks remain: Heavy reliance on cocoa and a few other commodities means that earnings are vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Supply and production constraints for some crops like soya beans also highlight the need for stronger domestic agricultural capacity.
• Opportunities: Expanding processed exports and diversifying the agricultural basket can help Nigeria capture more value, stabilize earnings, and reduce exposure to commodity cycles.