Nigeria’s total merchandise trade rose to ₦41.44 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 5.61 per cent increase compared with the ₦37.24 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025.
The latest figure was contained in the National Bureau of Statistics’ Foreign Trade in Goods report for the second quarter of 2026, released on Monday.
The NBS data also showed that Nigeria’s trade value increased by 19.13 per cent compared with the ₦34.79 trillion recorded in the first quarter of 2026.
China remained Nigeria’s largest source of imports during the quarter, reflecting the strong trade relationship between both countries. Nigeria continues to import a wide range of goods from China, including machinery, electronics, manufactured products and other consumer and industrial items.
The increase in overall trade indicates stronger activity in Nigeria’s external commerce during the quarter, although the figures also highlight the country’s continued dependence on imported goods.
Nigeria has been working to expand domestic production and reduce excessive dependence on imports through policies aimed at encouraging manufacturing, agriculture, local production and export diversification.
The government has also identified increased non-oil exports as an important part of its strategy to strengthen foreign-exchange earnings and make the economy less dependent on crude oil.
The latest trade figures will therefore provide policymakers and businesses with important indicators of how Nigeria’s economy is responding to ongoing reforms and changing global market conditions.
With total trade continuing to rise, analysts will be watching future NBS reports to determine whether the growth is sustained and whether Nigeria can achieve stronger export performance alongside its expanding import activity.
