Imports from Europe Slide as Nigeria Expands Global Trade Links

Nigeria’s buying patterns from overseas markets are changing, with imports from European countries falling by about 23 per cent over the past year. New data show the value of goods the country purchases from Europe dropped significantly, even as overall import spending climbed, suggesting a shift toward alternative sources for key products.

According to the figures, spending on European goods declined sharply — from roughly N22.8 trillion in 2024 to about N17.4 trillion in 2025 — reducing Europe’s share of Nigeria’s total imports from around 38 per cent to just under 26 per cent. Despite this drop, Nigeria’s overall import bill grew by more than N6 trillion as more goods were brought in from other continents.

Much of the shift can be seen in rising trade with Asian nations, which not only retained their position as Nigeria’s top import partner but expanded their share of total imports. The value of goods bought from Asia increased by nearly N6 trillion, accounting for more than half of all imported products in 2025.

Imports from the Americas also surged significantly, with the United States leading the gains. This reinforced a broader diversification of Nigeria’s sourcing strategy, moving away from long‑dominant European markets toward a mix that includes stronger ties with Asia and the Americas.

Numbers from several leading European suppliers — including France and Spain — showed notable declines, contributing to Europe’s waning influence in Nigeria’s import mix. At the same time, modest growth in imports from African markets rounded out a picture of evolving trade relationships.