Nigeria's Trade Surplus Hits N17.8 Trillion in 2025

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria achieved a trade surplus of N17.8 trillion in 2025, reflecting a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase despite a slowdown in exports during the fourth quarter. The report indicates that Nigeria recorded a N1.7 trillion surplus in Q4 2025, continuing a positive trend observed since Q4 2022.

This surplus supports the stability of Nigeria's external sector and contributes to an improved foreign exchange liquidity in the domestic market. However, total trade declined by 8.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to N36.2 trillion, representing a 1.1 percent decline compared to the N36.6 trillion recorded in Q4 2024.

The report also highlights bearish sentiments in the global equity market, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following attacks on oil vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has influenced investor sentiment, as reflected in a 2.0 percent decline in the MSCI World Equity Index.