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The Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment generated more than 500 million dollars in export revenue in 2025. The result reflects Nigeria’s push to diversify the economy through industrial development and expanded trade.
The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole disclosed this while briefing the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment during the defence of the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal. The disclosure was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
She explained that the revenue growth came from targeted programmes that strengthened exports supported market access and improved industrial competitiveness. These outcomes were achieved despite funding limitations during the year.
Ministry Performance Highlights in 2025
According to the minister the ministry delivered measurable progress across exports employment and market development. She said confidence in structured trade improved due to consistent policy reforms and institutional strengthening.
Key actions taken during the year include the launch of Nigeria’s first National Intellectual Property Policy and progress toward establishing a national trade and distribution company. The ministry also maintained fiscal discipline effective planning and accountable use of public funds.
The minister added that plans are underway to extend trade and investment initiatives to states through structured zonal and state engagements aimed at strengthening local value chains.
Job Creation and Market Expansion
The ministry’s interventions contributed to the creation of more than 20000 direct jobs across industrial and trade related activities in 2025.
Commodity market performance also improved significantly. Trading activity on the Nigeria Commodity Exchange expanded sharply with volumes rising by over 500 per cent. This growth signals stronger participation and increased confidence in structured commodity trading.
In addition the ministry advanced a strategic partnership to establish a national trade and distribution company. The initiative is expected to improve producers’ access to markets enhance value chain efficiency and strengthen commodity trade nationwide.
The Federal Executive Council also approved the National Industrial Policy in November 2025. The policy provides a long term framework for industrial growth competitiveness and economic transformation.
Budget Performance and Funding Constraints
Dr Oduwole disclosed that the ministry’s total appropriation for 2025 stood at 11.8 billion naira covering personnel and overhead costs. These funds were fully utilised.
However capital funding remained a major challenge. No funds had been released for the ministry’s 3.8 billion naira capital allocation as of the time of the Senate briefing. Despite this constraint the ministry exceeded its revenue target by about 100 million naira with the full amount remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
For 2026 the proposed capital allocation stands at 2.72 billion naira. The minister described the figure as inadequate given the ministry’s mandate and execution priorities.
Broader Budget Context
Nigeria’s proposed 2026 budget totals 58.18 trillion naira with a deficit exceeding 23 trillion naira. The budget prioritises infrastructure development while maintaining significant recurrent expenditure including personnel costs and debt servicing.
Major sectoral allocations focus on Works Power Transport Defence Education Health and Social Intervention programmes.
Why This Matters
The reforms outlined by the Trade Ministry aim to deepen local production support non oil exports and position Nigeria more competitively in regional and global markets. If sustained these initiatives could strengthen economic growth job creation and long term industrial development across the country.
