The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of ₦5.81 trillion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.
A trade surplus occurs when a nation’s exports exceed its imports, reflecting a positive trade balance.
In its report titled Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics (Q3 2024), released on Friday, the NBS stated that Nigeria’s exports totalled ₦20.48 trillion, while imports stood at ₦14.67 trillion. The bureau noted that the country’s total merchandise trade increased by 81% from ₦19.38 trillion in Q3 2023 to ₦35.16 trillion in Q3 2024.
“Nigeria’s total merchandise trade stood at ₦35,160.44 billion in Q3, 2024. This represents an increase of 81.35% compared to the value recorded in the corresponding period of 2023 and a rise of 13.26% over the value recorded in the preceding quarter,” the NBS said.
“In the quarter under review, exports accounted for 58.27% of total trade with a value of ₦20,486.39 billion, showing an increase of 98.00% rise over the value recorded in the third quarter of 2023 (₦10,346.60) and 16.76% compared to the value recorded in Q2 2024 (₦17,545.62).”
The report highlighted that exports were predominantly crude oil, valued at ₦13.4 trillion and accounting for 65.44% of total exports. Non-crude oil exports, including gas, amounted to ₦7 trillion, representing 34.56% of total exports. Non-oil products, such as agricultural commodities, contributed ₦2.5 trillion, or 12.21% of total exports.
The NBS also revealed that imports represented 41.73% of total trade in Q3 2024, amounting to ₦14.6 trillion. “This value indicates an increase of 62.30% compared to the value recorded in Q3 2023 (₦9,041.24 billion) and 8.71% over the value recorded in Q2 2024 (₦13,497.90 billion),” the bureau stated.
In terms of export destinations, Spain, the United States, France, The Netherlands, and Italy emerged as the top five trading partners. “The main export destination was Spain with a value of ₦2,267.83 billion or 11.07% of total exports, followed by exports to The United States of America with ₦1,689.48 billion or 8.25% of total exports, France with ₦1,588.30 billion or 7.75% of total export, The Netherlands with ₦1,434.29 billion or 7.00% of total exports, and exports to Italy with goods valued at ₦1,377.37 billion representing 6.72% of total exports,” the bureau said.
“These five countries collectively accounted for 40.79% of the value of total exports in Q3, 2024.”
On the import side, China remained Nigeria’s largest trading partner, accounting for 24.36% (₦3.57 trillion) of imported goods. Other top import partners included India (₦1.66 trillion or 11.33%), Belgium (₦1.63 trillion or 11.13%), the United States (₦1.02 trillion or 6.98%), and Malta (₦766 billion or 5.23%).
