Nigeria’s Q3 2025 Imports Rise to N161.23tn

Nigeria’s import bill surged to N161.23 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, underscoring the country’s continued dependence on foreign supplies amid weak domestic manufacturing capacity and rising consumption pressures.

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s import landscape during the period remained heavily concentrated around a familiar set of global trading partners. According to the report, just ten countries accounted for imports valued at N12.76 trillion, representing 7.91 per cent of the nation’s total import trade in the quarter.

The figure reflects a significant year-on-year increase of 23.78 per cent compared with the N10.31 trillion recorded from the same group of countries in the third quarter of 2024, highlighting sustained growth in import demand despite ongoing policy efforts to boost local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods.

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Analysts say the concentration of imports among a limited number of trading partners points to structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s industrial base, as the economy continues to rely heavily on imported manufactured goods, machinery, refined petroleum products and consumer items. The trend also mirrors pressures from population growth, currency volatility and limited capacity utilisation in local factories.

The NBS data further indicate that the sharp rise in import values was influenced by both higher volumes and elevated prices of key imported commodities, reflecting global inflationary trends and exchange rate movements during the period. These factors combined to push up the overall cost of imports, with implications for Nigeria’s trade balance and foreign exchange demand.

Economists warn that sustained growth in imports, without a corresponding expansion in non-oil exports and local manufacturing output, could deepen external vulnerabilities and place additional strain on the naira. They argue that addressing infrastructure deficits, improving access to credit for manufacturers and strengthening industrial policies will be critical to reversing the trend.

While the federal government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at promoting import substitution and supporting local industries, the Q3 2025 figures suggest that tangible gains remain limited. As Nigeria heads into the final quarter of the year, trade watchers will be closely monitoring whether policy measures translate into reduced import dependence and a more diversified trade structure.