Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N1.71 trillion in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, according to the latest foreign trade statistics report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Gatekeepers News reports that the data shows that total merchandise trade during the period stood at N36.21 trillion, representing a 1.07 percent decline compared to N36.60 trillion recorded in Q4 2024 and an 8.94 percent drop from N39.77 trillion in Q3 2025.
Despite the decline in overall trade activity, Nigeria still maintained a positive trade balance as exports exceeded imports during the quarter. Exports were valued at N18.96 trillion, accounting for 52.36 percent of total trade, while imports stood at N17.25 trillion, resulting in the N1.71 trillion surplus.
However, export earnings fell compared with earlier periods, largely due to lower crude oil shipments, which remain the country’s dominant export product. Export value declined by 5.25 percent from N20.01 trillion recorded in Q4 2024 and dropped significantly from N22.81 trillion in Q3 2025.
The NBS report also highlighted Nigeria’s key trade relationships during the period. Major export destinations included the Netherlands, India, and Spain, while China and the United States were among the leading sources of imports into the country.
