Shift toward new global partners reshapes import patterns as Europe’s share drops sharply in 2025….
Nigeria’s trade dynamics took a notable turn in 2025, as imports from Europe declined significantly even as the country’s overall import bill continued to rise.
Fresh data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that imports from European countries dropped by ₦5.36 trillion, falling from ₦22.80 trillion in 2024 to ₦17.44 trillion in 2025. The decline comes against the backdrop of a broader increase in total imports, which climbed by ₦6.76 trillion year-on-year to reach ₦67.35 trillion.
This contrast highlights a clear shift in Nigeria’s sourcing strategy, with Europe losing ground as a dominant trade partner. Its share of Nigeria’s total imports fell sharply from 37.63% in 2024 to 25.90% in 2025, one of the most significant declines in recent years.
A closer look at country-level data reveals a mixed picture across Europe. Some nations strengthened their trade ties with Nigeria, while others saw substantial declines.
The Netherlands emerged as the fastest-growing European partner, with imports rising by ₦1.04 trillion to ₦3.35 trillion. The United Kingdom also recorded strong growth, with imports increasing by ₦794.77 billion to ₦1.83 trillion. Similarly, Italy posted a notable rise of ₦884.79 billion, reaching ₦1.83 trillion.
However, this growth was offset by sharp declines elsewhere. Imports from France fell by ₦760.08 billion, while Spain recorded a drop of ₦414.17 billion. Trade with Germany remained relatively stable, showing only a marginal dip.
The most striking development, however, came from the “Others” category covering smaller European economies. Imports from this group plunged dramatically from ₦14.13 trillion in 2024 to just ₦1.56 trillion in 2025, a staggering ₦12.57 trillion drop.
This single category accounted for the bulk of the overall decline, suggesting a major realignment in Nigeria’s trade relationships with a wide range of European suppliers. The scale of the contraction points to a deliberate consolidation strategy, with Nigeria focusing on fewer, more strategic partners.
Beyond Europe, the data signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s global trade orientation. With total imports still on the rise, much of the country’s demand is increasingly being met by non-European markets particularly in Asia, where competitive pricing and flexible supply chains continue to attract importers.
This evolving pattern presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, diversifying import sources could help Nigeria reduce dependency risks and lower costs, especially for consumer goods and intermediate inputs. On the other hand, reduced engagement with Europe may limit access to high-end industrial equipment and specialized capital goods traditionally sourced from the region.
Ultimately, the numbers point to a changing trade landscape, one where Europe’s long-standing dominance is gradually giving way to a more diversified, globally distributed network of partners.
