When a ship left Lagos in late June, its cargo reflected Nigeria’s countryside: cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame, coconuts, flowers and prawns.
For traders it meant business; for farmers it meant survival and another step towards a diversified economy.
In Q2 2025, Nigeria’s agricultural exports reached about ₦1.30 trillion.
Cocoa led the way: superior quality beans earned ₦277.02bn, standard beans added ₦208.47bn, and natural cocoa butter contributed ₦105.07bn.
Together, these figures confirmed cocoa as Nigeria’s strongest agricultural export.
Cashew, Sesame And Emerging Crops
Next, cashew nuts (shelled) generated ₦100.71bn, showing consistency as a reliable crop.
Meanwhile, sesame seeds produced ₦77.99bn, and farmers in northern states continued to drive this success through tireless hand labour.
Furthermore, new players entered the spotlight.
Cut flowers and buds contributed ₦33.4bn, revealing growth in horticulture.
Desiccated coconuts earned ₦25.65bn as global demand for plant-based products surged.
Likewise, shrimps and prawns brought in ₦23.96bn, proving aquaculture’s promise.
Finally, soya-bean flours and meals totalled ₦20.64bn, signalling Nigeria’s gradual expansion in agro-processing and protein markets.
People And Policies Drive Growth
Beyond the numbers, people drive this story.
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Women sorted sesame, cooperatives negotiated freight, and entrepreneurs built processing plants.
Moreover, government policies encouraged value addition through cocoa presses and cashew-shelling facilities.
However, weak infrastructure, poor power supply and limited finance continued to slow progress.
Ultimately, Q2 revealed both strength and fragility.
While cocoa dominated, Nigeria widened its basket with cashew, sesame, coconuts, flowers, seafood and soya.
Consequently, the quarter demonstrated a future that relies on variety rather than oil alone.
Ranked Table: Nigeria’s Top Agricultural Exports (Q2 2025)
Rank Product Export Value (₦ Billion)
- Cocoa beans (Superior quality) 277.02
- Cocoa beans (Standard quality) 208.47
- Cocoa butter (Natural) 105.07
- Cashew nuts (Shelled) 100.71
- Sesamum seeds 77.99
- Other cut flowers & flower buds 33.40
- Desiccated coconuts 25.65
- Other frozen shrimps & prawns 23.96
- Flours and meals of soya beans 20.64
