Nigeria’s non-oil exports have experienced a significant surge, increasing by 25.75% to $1.79 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This growth is largely attributed to the rising demand for sesame seed exports, which have attracted a substantial share of the global market. According to Nonye Ayeni, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, this increase represents a notable improvement compared to the 19.59% recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has been working to promote the country’s export sector, with a focus on diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. Sesame seed exports have been identified as a key area of growth, with Nigeria having the potential to tap into the global market. In 2024, sesame seed ranked third among the top 20 export products, with 337.8258 metric tonnes exported, accounting for 4.63% of the total quantity.

Ayeni, who represented Chika Sylvia, Chief Trade Promotion Officer of the council, at an event for sesame seed farmers, emphasized the potential for Nigeria to earn significant foreign exchange from sesame seed exports. She noted that the global market presents an enormous opportunity for the country to increase its forex earnings. With the right support and promotion, Nigeria can obtain a substantial share of the global sesame seed market, contributing to the country’s economic growth and diversification.

The growth in non-oil exports is a positive development for Nigeria’s economy, which has been seeking to reduce its dependence on oil revenues. The increase in sesame seed exports is a testament to the potential of the country’s agricultural sector to contribute to economic growth. As the Nigerian Export Promotion Council continues to promote the country’s export sector, it is likely that other non-oil exports will also experience growth, further diversifying the economy and increasing foreign exchange earnings.