LAGOS — For decades, the global trade conversation about Nigeria has been dominated by a single commodity: crude oil. That narrative is now being rewritten, not by policy pronouncements from Abuja, but by the quiet, persistent flow of shipping containers leaving Apapa and Onne ports loaded with sesame seeds, cashew nuts, shea butter, and lithium ore.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings reached a record $6.1 billion in 2025, up from $5.46 billion in the prior year, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council . More than 8.02 million metric tonnes of products were shipped to 120 countries, spanning 281 distinct non-oil products . In the first half of 2025 alone, non-oil exports surged by 21 percent to $12.8 billion, nearly double the government’s target, driven by cocoa, cashew, sesame, and fertiliser .
For international buyers—whether procurement officers at European food manufacturers, wellness brands in North America, or industrial processors in Asia—the opportunity is no longer theoretical. It is operational. The question is no longer whether to source from Nigeria, but what to source, and how to navigate the complexities that come with a market still building its export infrastructure.
What follows is a comprehensive guide to 30 products that can be imported from Nigeria today, organised across five categories: agricultural commodities, processed foods, solid minerals, textiles and fashion, and manufactured goods. Each entry reflects current market realities, sourcing considerations, and the commercial logic that makes it relevant to global buyers.
Category One: Agricultural Commodities
1. Sesame Seeds
Nigeria ranks among the world’s largest producers of sesame seeds, prized for high oil content and a clean, consistent flavour. The commodity feeds into bakery supply chains, confectionery manufacturing, tahini production, and direct consumer retail . With China’s zero-tariff policy on African agricultural products now in effect through April 2028, Nigerian sesame—which previously faced tariffs of 3 to 15 percent—enters the Chinese market duty-free, creating a direct margin advantage over competing origins . Buyers should specify grade and moisture content, and insist on third-party inspection at origin, as smallholder production can introduce variability.
2. Cashew Nuts
Nigeria’s cashew sector has attracted significant policy attention, with the NEPC designating cashew as one of 13 national strategic export products . Raw cashew nuts and processed kernels both move in volume, with demand from Indian and Vietnamese processors historically dominating the trade. The zero-tariff window in China adds a new channel for Nigerian cashew exporters, supported by a government-endorsed framework signed during President Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to Beijing . Buyers should distinguish between raw cashew nuts (for processing) and kernels (for retail and food manufacturing), as the quality and documentation requirements differ substantially.
3. Cocoa Beans and Derivatives
Cocoa remains Nigeria’s most valuable agricultural export after oil, contributing the largest share of non-oil export value in recent quarters . While Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana dominate global supply, Nigerian cocoa—particularly from the southwest states—holds a reliable position in European and Asian processing markets. Beyond raw beans, cocoa derivatives including butter, liquor, and cake are increasingly available as local processing capacity expands. The EU remains the primary destination, but compliance with EU regulations on traceability, maximum residue limits, and deforestation-free sourcing is non-negotiable for access .
4. Ginger
Nigerian ginger, particularly from Kaduna and the Middle Belt, is valued for its pungency and oil content. The commodity moves both as dried split ginger and as processed powder or extract. With China’s tariff elimination, Nigerian ginger—previously facing an 8 to 15 percent tariff—now competes on equal footing with Asian origins in the Chinese market . European buyers source ginger for spice blending, beverage manufacturing, and nutraceutical applications. Drying and storage practices vary significantly across suppliers; buyers should request moisture specifications and mould testing as standard.
5. Hibiscus Flowers (Zobo)
Dried hibiscus flowers, known locally as zobo, have carved out a niche in European and North American markets as a botanical for herbal teas, natural colourants, and beverage infusions. The product is labour-intensive to harvest and dry, which limits supply concentration but also creates opportunities for buyers willing to develop direct relationships with aggregators. Mexico and Germany are established destinations. Phytosanitary certification from the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service is mandatory for plant products, and buyers should verify pesticide residue compliance with destination-market standards .
6. Shea Nuts and Shea Butter
Nigeria is one of West Africa’s significant shea-producing countries, though it often operates in the shadow of Ghana and Burkina Faso. Unrefined shea butter, extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, feeds into the global cosmetics and personal care industry, where demand for natural, ethically sourced ingredients continues to grow . The NEPC has identified shea-based personal care products as a viable export category for the U.S. market under AGOA . Buyers should distinguish between raw nuts (for local processing), crude butter (for industrial refining), and cosmetic-grade refined butter (for direct formulation).
7. Groundnuts (Peanuts)
Nigerian groundnuts, when properly dried, graded, and aflatoxin-tested, serve both direct consumption markets and processing into groundnut oil and peanut butter . The critical challenge is aflatoxin management, which requires rigorous post-harvest handling and testing. Buyers sourcing for food manufacturing should mandate aflatoxin certificates from accredited laboratories and consider pre-shipment sampling. The commodity is widely available but quality differentiation is substantial, rewarding buyers who invest in supplier verification.
8. Tiger Nuts (Ofio)
Tiger nuts—small root vegetables with a naturally sweet, nutty flavour—have emerged as a premium health food ingredient in European and North American specialty retail. High in fibre, resistant starch, and healthy fats, they are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, positioning them well for the wellness market . Nigerian tiger nuts from Kano and Kaduna are considered among the finest globally for size and sweetness. The product commands significant premiums in health food channels, but supply is fragmented and buyers should expect to work with aggregators to secure consistent volumes and quality.
9. Ofada Rice
Ofada rice is a short-grain, parboiled Nigerian variety with a distinctive nutty flavour and chewy texture, retaining its bran layer and nutritional profile. In international markets, it is positioned as a premium whole grain alternative, commanding three to four times the price of commodity white rice in specialty retail . The opportunity is niche but real, particularly in diaspora communities and among consumers seeking artisanal grains. Export volumes remain limited, and buyers should assess whether the premium justifies the logistics and compliance costs.
10. Rubber
Natural rubber from Nigerian plantations, concentrated in Edo and Delta states, feeds into tyre manufacturing, industrial products, and latex applications. The commodity is traded in standard grades (RSS, TSR) and requires technical specification sheets for industrial buyers. Nigeria’s rubber sector has suffered from decades of underinvestment, but renewed interest in non-oil exports has prompted rehabilitation of plantations and processing facilities. Buyers should verify grade conformity and arrange pre-shipment inspection through recognised surveyors.
11. Palm Kernel Oil
Nigeria’s palm kernel oil—distinct from palm oil—is used in soap manufacturing, cosmetics, and oleochemical processing. The commodity is semi-processed and thus captures more value than raw palm kernels. Local processing capacity has expanded, with several mills producing technical-grade and edible-grade PKO. Buyers should specify free fatty acid content and moisture levels, as quality varies considerably across producers. The commodity is also eligible for export incentives under Nigeria’s Export Expansion Grant scheme for processed products .
12. Gum Arabic
Nigeria produces gum arabic, a natural emulsifier used in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. The commodity is harvested from acacia trees in the northern states and traded in raw, cleaned, and spray-dried forms. Global demand is steady, with Sudan historically dominating supply; Nigerian gum arabic offers a diversification option for buyers concerned about supply concentration. Quality grading follows international standards for colour, viscosity, and ash content. Buyers should verify that suppliers can provide certificates of analysis and traceability documentation.
13. Charcoal
Nigerian hardwood charcoal, particularly from sustainably managed plantations, serves European and Middle Eastern markets for barbecue fuel and industrial applications. The trade has faced scrutiny over deforestation concerns, and buyers increasingly require evidence of sustainable sourcing or plantation-based production. The commodity is bulky and freight-sensitive, making it most viable for buyers who can consolidate shipments. Export documentation must include phytosanitary certification and, where applicable, proof of compliance with destination-country environmental regulations.
14. Raw Hides and Skins
Nigeria’s livestock sector generates raw hides and skins that feed into leather manufacturing in Italy, Spain, and Asia. The commodity is traded in wet-salted or dried form and requires careful preservation to prevent deterioration during transit. Quality varies significantly based on animal husbandry practices and slaughter methods. Buyers should inspect for defects, including gouges, flay marks, and putrefaction, and should verify that suppliers can meet destination-country animal health requirements.
Category Two: Processed Foods and Ingredients
15. Processed and Packaged Ethnic Foods
The global diaspora market for Nigerian foods—garri, egusi, palm oil, stockfish, yam flour, and plantain flour—is well-established in the UK, US, and Canada. A recent N5 billion partnership between Santuscom Foods and UK-based Dawn Fulfilment illustrates the commercial scale now achievable, with products including Ogoja garri, palm oil, unripe plantain flour, and honey beans reaching UK retailers and restaurants . The opportunity for buyers extends beyond diaspora retail to mainstream specialty channels, where African foods are growing at 8.3 percent annually in European retail . Compliance with destination-country food labelling, traceability, and safety standards is essential.
16. Shea-Based Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Beyond raw shea butter, finished and semi-finished personal care products—soaps, creams, balms, and haircare formulations—represent a higher-value export category. The global shift toward natural and ethical products works in Nigeria’s favour, but branding discipline and regulatory compliance are critical . For the U.S. market, AGOA eligibility provides duty-free access through 2026, creating a time-bound opportunity for brands that can meet FDA requirements for cosmetics labelling and ingredient disclosure.
17. Spices and Seasoning Blends
Nigerian spice blends—including pepper soups, suya spice, and regional seasoning mixes—have gained traction in international specialty retail. The category benefits from the broader growth of African food in Western markets and from consumer interest in bold, unfamiliar flavours. The challenge is standardisation: recipes vary by producer, and shelf-life stability requires appropriate packaging and preservatives. Buyers should work with producers who can deliver consistent formulations and who understand destination-market labelling requirements.
18. Honey
Nigerian honey, particularly from the savannah regions, is valued for its floral complexity and natural production methods. The commodity moves in bulk for industrial use and in retail packaging for specialty markets. Quality parameters include moisture content, HMF levels, and absence of adulteration. Buyers should require laboratory testing for authenticity, as honey fraud is a global concern. Organic certification, while limited in Nigeria, is available from some cooperatives and commands a premium.
19. Dried Fruits and Nuts
Beyond cashew and groundnut, Nigeria produces dried mango, pineapple, and coconut products for snack and ingredient markets. The processing sector is nascent but growing, supported by initiatives to reduce post-harvest losses. Buyers should assess whether suppliers can meet moisture specifications and microbial limits, and should verify packaging integrity for long-distance transit. The category is best suited to buyers willing to invest in supplier development rather than those seeking immediate large-volume procurement.
Category Three: Solid Minerals and Metals
20. Lithium Ore and Concentrate
Nigeria’s lithium deposits, concentrated in Nasarawa, Kogi, and Kwara states, have attracted global attention as the battery supply chain diversifies beyond Australia and South America. A 6,000-tonne-per-day lithium processing plant in Nasarawa, commissioned in July 2026, marked a significant step toward local value addition . The government has signalled a preference for domestic processing over raw ore exports, and buyers should anticipate evolving export regulations. For now, lithium concentrate and ore are available, but buyers must conduct thorough due diligence on grade, moisture, and provenance.
21. Tin Concentrate (Cassiterite)
The Jos Plateau has been a tin mining centre for over a century, and Nigerian cassiterite remains a reliable source for global tin smelters. The commodity is traded on the basis of tin content, with pricing referenced to London Metal Exchange benchmarks. Conflict-free certification and ESG compliance are increasingly important for European and North American buyers, and several Nigerian producers now offer certified conflict-free material . Buyers should require assay certificates from accredited laboratories and should verify chain-of-custody documentation.
22. Tantalum and Niobium
Nigeria holds deposits of tantalum and niobium ores, critical inputs for electronics capacitors and specialty alloys. The minerals are often mined alongside tin and are subject to the same conflict-minerals due diligence requirements. Global supply is concentrated in Central Africa, and Nigerian production offers a diversification option for buyers willing to navigate the country’s developing regulatory framework. Traceability and certification are essential for access to responsible sourcing markets.
23. Lead and Zinc Ore
Nigeria’s lead-zinc deposits, primarily in the Benue Trough, are mined and exported as concentrates for smelting. The commodity is traded on the basis of metal content, with penalties for impurities. Buyers should verify assay reports and ensure compliance with destination-country environmental and transport regulations for heavy metals. The sector is artisanal and small-scale in many areas, which creates both opportunity and risk for industrial buyers.
24. Barite
Nigeria has significant barite deposits, used as a weighting agent in oil and gas drilling fluids. The government has promoted local barite production to supply the domestic oil industry, but export markets also exist for high-grade material. Buyers should specify API-grade specifications, including specific gravity and particle size distribution. The commodity is bulky and freight-sensitive, making it most viable for buyers with consolidated shipping arrangements.
Category Four: Textiles, Fashion, and Crafts
25. Ankara Fabric
Ankara—wax-print cotton fabric—is Nigeria’s most recognisable textile export, worn globally and used in fashion, home décor, and accessories. The fabric is produced both domestically and imported from China and the Netherlands, with Nigerian designs and colourways commanding a premium in diaspora and specialty markets . Buyers should distinguish between genuine local production and imported fabric sold under Nigerian branding, and should verify colourfastness and shrinkage specifications for garment manufacturing.
26. Adire Textile
Adire is a traditional Yoruba resist-dyed textile, produced using indigo and other natural dyes. The handcrafted nature of adire creates unique, non-reproducible patterns that appeal to artisan-focused buyers and sustainable fashion brands. Supply is limited and quality varies, but the category commands premium pricing in niche markets. Buyers should engage directly with cooperatives and individual artisans to secure consistent quality and fair pricing.
27. Aso Oke
Aso Oke is a hand-woven fabric from the Yoruba tradition, used for ceremonial garments and increasingly for contemporary fashion and interior design. The fabric is labour-intensive to produce and commands high prices in specialty markets. The opportunity is limited by production capacity but offers significant margins for buyers who can develop relationships with weaving communities and communicate the cultural story authentically.
28. Leather Goods and Accessories
Nigerian leather craftsmanship—belts, bags, wallets, and footwear—has attracted attention for its quality and design. The NEPC has identified finished and semi-finished leather products as having strong export potential to the U.S. market under AGOA, provided that quality finishing, standardisation, and country-of-origin labelling meet buyer expectations . The category is best suited to boutique retail and online platforms rather than mass-market channels, where competition from Asian manufacturers is intense.
29. Handcrafted Home Décor
Nigerian artisans produce a range of home décor products—carved wood, woven baskets, pottery, and metalwork—that appeal to global buyers seeking authentic, handmade goods. The category benefits from the broader growth of African-inspired design in Western interiors and from consumer interest in products with transparent supply chains. Buyers should focus on products that are lightweight and durable enough for economic shipping, and should verify that materials meet destination-market safety standards.
Category Five: Manufactured and Industrial Goods
30. Fertilisers and Urea
Nigeria has emerged as a significant producer of urea and ammonia-based fertilisers, driven by large-scale gas-to-fertiliser plants. The commodity is exported in bulk to agricultural markets across Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Quality specifications follow international fertiliser standards, and buyers should verify nutrient content, moisture, and granule size. The sector benefits from Nigeria’s gas feedstock advantage, making it cost-competitive with Middle Eastern and North African producers.
The Operational Reality: What Buyers Must Know
The commercial case for sourcing from Nigeria is strengthened by several structural factors. China’s zero-tariff policy on African agricultural products, effective through April 2028, creates a time-bound margin advantage for Nigerian exporters and their buyers . The African Continental Free Trade Area is gradually reducing barriers to intra-African trade, though implementation remains uneven. And the naira’s devaluation has made Nigerian goods more price-competitive in dollar terms, though it has also increased imported input costs for local producers .
But the operational challenges are real. Infrastructure deficits—power, roads, port efficiency—add friction to every transaction. Quality consistency across smallholder supply chains requires active management, not passive procurement. And documentation compliance, while improving, still demands patience and precision.
The buyers who succeed in Nigeria are those who invest in supplier relationships rather than treating the country as a spot market. They visit factories and farms, not just websites. They build quality checkpoints into their supply chains rather than relying on certificates alone. And they understand that the country’s export trajectory, while upward, is not linear.
For those willing to do the work, the reward is access to a diversified, price-competitive, and increasingly professional supplier base—one that is no longer content to be defined by a single commodity.
