Nigeria’s merchandise trade climbed to N41.44 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, driven largely by a sharp rise in exports and stronger activity across the country’s external sector.
New data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that total trade increased by 19.13 percent from N34.79 trillion in the first quarter and was 5.61 percent higher than the N39.24 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025.
Exports accounted for N27.02 trillion, representing 65.20 percent of total trade, while imports stood at N14.42 trillion.
The News Chronicle reports that crude oil remained Nigeria’s biggest individual export at N12.91 trillion, although non-crude exports collectively contributed a larger N14.11 trillion during the quarter.
Mineral products dominated exports with N23.52 trillion, while machinery and transport equipment led imports at N5.46 trillion.
Asia remained Nigeria’s largest trading region, accounting for N8.56 trillion in imports and receiving N8.72 trillion in Nigerian exports.
India emerged as the leading destination for Nigerian exports, taking goods valued at N3.29 trillion.
The figures point to another sizeable trade surplus and suggest that stronger export earnings are continuing to support Nigeria’s external position, even as the economy recorded 4.43 percent growth in the second quarter.
