Nigeria’s non-oil export sector achieved historic growth in 2025, and Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the country’s leading bank supporting exporters, according to the latest figures from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
With $6.1 billion in non-oil exports, Nigeria posted its strongest export performance to date, marking an 11.5% increase over 2024. Zenith Bank led the way among 30 commercial banks by processing the highest volume of Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) documentation, cementing its reputation as the most export-friendly bank in the nation.
Non-Oil Exports Reach New Heights
NEPC data highlights that non-oil export volume also expanded by 10% to 8.02 million metric tonnes, reaching buyers in 120 countries. Major markets included the Netherlands, Brazil, and India, reflecting the growing global footprint of Nigerian products.
Financial institutions played a pivotal role in facilitating export transactions, ensuring compliance, and managing documentation under Nigeria’s export framework. Among them, Zenith Bank stood out for its efficiency and scale.
Zenith Bank Leads the Way in Export Financing
In 2025, nearly 20,000 NXP forms were processed across 30 banks, with Zenith Bank handling 32.31% of all transactions—the highest in Nigeria. This placed the bank ahead of competitors and reaffirmed its position as the go-to financial partner for non-oil exporters.
Enhanced monitoring and compliance systems across the sector highlighted Zenith Bank’s ability to provide reliable and trusted banking support, making it indispensable for businesses navigating international trade.
Supporting Nigeria’s Economic Diversification
The strong performance of non-oil exports aligns with the Federal Government’s diversification agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope framework. Zenith Bank’s capabilities—spanning eight seaports, three international airports, and nine land borders—positioned it as a key partner for exporters.
With 94% of shipments routed through seaports, the bank’s operational scale ensured smooth processing, enabling businesses to reach global markets efficiently.
Building Confidence in the Export Ecosystem
2025 also saw improvements in compliance, quality assurance, and export credibility, with NEPC collaborating with global partners like the World Trade Organization and the International Trade Centre. These reforms reduced export rejections and strengthened standards in major agricultural value chains.
Zenith Bank’s dominance in NXP processing reflects continued trust from Nigerian exporters, highlighting the bank’s central role in sustaining the sector’s growth.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, NEPC plans to broaden exporter participation, expand value addition, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen regional trade within ECOWAS. Financial institutions will remain vital to maintaining momentum.
With 32.31% of NXP transactions in 2025, Zenith Bank is already leading the charge. Its continued support will be crucial as Nigeria aims to further scale non-oil exports in 2026 and beyond.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s non-oil export sector hit record highs in 2025, thanks to concerted efforts from government agencies, exporters, and development partners. Among financial institutions, Zenith Bank clearly stands out, leading the nation in export proceeds processing and reinforcing its role as the number one export-friendly bank in Nigeria.
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