Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded $3.23 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 19.6% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Produce Export Development Alliance (PEDA). The growth, driven by cocoa, sesame, and horticultural produce, highlights the country’s gradual recovery in agribusiness and rising demand for structured trade facilitation.

PEDA has built a robust network of farmers, exporters, and market enablers to boost competitiveness in horticulture, processed foods, and non-oil commodities.

“Nigeria’s agricultural export sector is showing strong signs of recovery, but the real story is in the resilience of our producers,” said PEDA CEO Adetiloye Aiyeola. He noted that while exports have grown in double digits over the past two quarters, logistics costs, financing gaps, and compliance challenges still limit value reaching farmers, emphasizing the need for policy consistency and private-sector collaboration.

PEDA, in partnership with the Committee Linking Entrepreneurship, Agriculture and Development (COLEAD), is strengthening Nigeria’s integration into global value chains. Local exporters benefit from technical assistance, traceability and compliance training, and access to European buyer networks, aligning with PEDA’s goal of facilitating over $1 billion in traceable agrifood trade by 2030.

Aiyeola also led a trade mission to Dubai, fostering market access in the Gulf for hibiscus, sesame, and dried fruits. PEDA will further leverage the Gulfood 2026 Strategy Programme and strategic engagement with the Scottish African Business Association (SABA) in the UK to expand structured trade corridors and promote Nigerian agricultural exports as reliable, high-quality commodities.

“Despite economic headwinds, the non-oil export sector achieved nearly ₦3 trillion in agricultural trade in Q2 2025, reflecting Nigeria’s growing competitiveness,” he said. The focus now is on translating this growth into stable livelihoods, stronger supply chains, and new markets for local agribusinesses.

PEDA volunteer Itunuoluwa Olatawura added, “Each partnership we cultivate helps make trade more reliable and profitable for African producers,” highlighting the organisation’s commitment to boosting investor confidence and sustainable trade.

Through advisory programmes, technical partnerships, and international trade missions, PEDA continues to demonstrate that Nigeria’s agricultural sector can meet both domestic food security and global demand, reinforcing its pivotal role in Africa’s non-oil export resurgence.