Export processing zones emerge as key drivers of industrial growth, non-oil exports and investor confidence
The Federal Government says Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) generated more than $500 million in export revenues and created over 20,000 direct jobs in 2025, underscoring their growing role in the country’s industrialisation and export-led growth strategy.
The figures were disclosed in an official performance review of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment titled “2025: A Defining Year for Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment.”
According to the document, export earnings from the zones were largely driven by coordinated activities of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), operating under reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones generated over $500 million in export revenues and created more than 20,000 direct jobs, reinforcing their position as engines of industrialisation, export expansion and employment generation,” the ministry stated.
The ministry described 2025 as a turning point in Nigeria’s economic repositioning, noting that policy reforms during the year helped expand industrial capacity, grow exports and rebuild investor confidence.
It explained that the gains recorded were the result of coordinated reforms across investment attraction, export diversification, trade facilitation and institutional strengthening, supported by collaboration between government agencies, the private sector and development partners.
Beyond the performance of the SEZs, the report highlighted strong momentum in export-led growth. Non-oil exports rose by 21 per cent to $12.8 billion in the first half of 2025, significantly exceeding the initial target of $6.5 billion.
The surge in exports contributed to a ₦12 trillion trade surplus within the same period, while Nigeria’s total trade value expanded by 14 per cent, aided by improved logistics and trade facilitation reforms.
“This outcome reflects the cumulative effect of targeted trade policies, streamlined export procedures and increased value addition across key productive sectors,” the ministry noted.
According to the report, Nigeria’s top non-oil export products in 2025 included cocoa and cocoa derivatives, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, shea butter, ginger, hibiscus flowers, rubber, palm oil derivatives, fertilisers, cement and liquefied natural gas.
The ministry also said it strengthened export capacity through partnerships with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), training 27,352 exporters, certifying 200 micro, small and medium enterprises for international trade, and supporting 3,047 farmers with hybrid seedlings to boost productivity.
On inclusive trade, the ministry disclosed that the Women Export Fund received more than 67,000 applications, with grants awarded to 146 women-led enterprises nationwide.
In terms of investment performance, the ministry reported a notable turnaround in 2025, with four priority projects valued at $13.7 billion advancing from previously signed Memoranda of Understanding estimated at $50.8 billion.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, led a series of high-level bilateral engagements and trade missions to major global economies, efforts the ministry said helped strengthen Nigeria’s investment pipeline and improve global investor perceptions.
“These engagements have produced measurable results, improving deal quality, strengthening investor confidence and positioning Nigeria as a credible, reform-oriented destination for long-term investment,” the document stated.
Looking ahead, the ministry said the Federal Government plans to consolidate the gains recorded in 2025 by prioritising policy execution, accelerated exports and sustained investment flows in 2026, with the goal of expanding job creation and delivering inclusive economic growth.
