• Cassava, wheat, others’ supplying 45% of Africa’s calories highlight vulnerability, says W’Bank
Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded strong growth last year, with total earnings rising to $6.1 billion, an 11.5 per cent increase compared to the $5.4 billion of 2024, underscoring the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from reliance on crude oil.

However, the World Bank said cassava, rice, maize and wheat, accounting for 45 per cent of the calories consumed across Africa, highlight the continent’s heavy reliance on just a few staple foods.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, during her progress report and the 2026 export outlook briefing held yesterday, noted that the achievement reflected both higher export volumes and broader access to international markets for Nigerian goods, indicating deeper integration of the country’s non-oil sector into global trade systems.

Figures obtained from pre-shipment inspection agencies and cited by NEPC confirm the record performance of the non-oil export sector.

“The non-oil export sector rose to approximately $6.1 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of about 11.5 per cent over and above the $5.4 billion recorded in 2024,” Ayeni stated.

She noted that the outcome represented the highest value ever recorded for Nigeria’s formal non-oil exports since the establishment of NEPC nearly 50 years ago, surpassing the previous record set in 2024.

Ayeni also explained that the improved export value was supported by increased volumes. Total non-oil exports reached 8.02 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 7.29 million metric tonnes in 2024, reflecting a 10 per cent growth.

The 2025 data show that Nigeria exported 281 different non-oil products, pointing to a gradual shift towards value addition and broader participation in global trade. Export activities covered many sectors, including agriculture, processed products and solid minerals.

The rise in export volumes suggests improvements in production capacity as well as stronger integration across supply chains. However, despite the impressive growth recorded in the formal sector, a substantial portion of Nigeria’s non-oil trade continues to take place informally across land borders, which limits the country’s ability to fully capture its export potential.

World Bank report, ‘Food at a Crossroads: The Nexus Between Transport, Logistics, and Food Security in Africa’, warns that such dependence leaves Africa vulnerable to supply disruptions, rising food prices and climate-related shocks.

According to the World Bank, while these four staples dominate Africa’s diet, a large portion is imported from Europe, South Asia and other regions.

Africa imports over 30 million tonnes of maize, more than 35 million tonnes of rice, and around 60 million tonnes of wheat every year.

“Just four key commodities account for 45 per cent of caloric intake across Africa – cassava, rice, maize and wheat. A large portion of these commodities is imported from Europe, South Asia and elsewhere, making transport a pivotal component in helping to address the challenges of food insecurity in Africa,” the report reads.

After arriving on the continent, the staples face delays due to inadequate port infrastructure, inefficient logistics and long inland journeys.

On average, food travels 4,000 kilometres over 23 days in Africa — four times longer than in Europe — increasing the risk of spoilage, loss and delayed delivery to households.

Seaports handle 14 per cent of Africa’s food imports, rising to 22 per cent for landlocked countries and 37 per cent for the lowest-income nations. However, many ports suffer from outdated systems, low capacity and poor infrastructure, creating critical choke points in the food supply chain.

After clearance, imported staples must navigate weak road networks, congested borders, and poor rural connectivity. These transport challenges drive up costs, reduce food availability, and make staples less affordable for consumers.

The report emphasised that investing in modern storage facilities, improving logistics, and applying proper handling techniques can significantly reduce these losses, ensuring more food reaches households safely and consistently.

On the Nigerian front, the country faces a looming food insecurity challenge. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) projected that about 34.7 million Nigerians could experience severe food shortages during the 2026 lean season, from June to August.