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Nigeria’s total export earnings increased to $35.64 billion in the first half of 2026, up from $28.82 billion in the same period of 2025. The $6.82 billion year-on-year rise was driven largely by stronger petroleum product exports, while crude oil and gas remained major contributors.
Nigeria recorded total export earnings of $35.64 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 23.7 per cent increase from $28.82 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
The rise amounted to $6.82 billion year-on-year, based on analysis of Central Bank of Nigeria second-quarter 2026 statistical bulletin data.
A major driver of the increase was petroleum products exports, which climbed 238.7 per cent to $6.31 billion from $1.86 billion in the first half of 2025.
Crude oil remained the single biggest export earner, generating $17.51 billion during the period. Gas exports also posted growth, rising 4.2 per cent year-on-year to $6.22 billion.
The latest figures show that oil and gas-linked exports continued to account for a large share of Nigeria’s foreign earnings in the first six months of the year. The sharp jump in petroleum product exports stands out as the strongest growth among the export categories listed in the available data.
Why it matters
The increase in export earnings points to stronger foreign exchange inflows for Nigeria in the first half of 2026. For an economy that relies heavily on external earnings from oil and gas, movements in export receipts can influence foreign exchange supply, public revenue and broader economic stability.
The composition of the figures is also important. Crude oil still delivered the biggest share, but the strong rise in petroleum product exports suggests additional support from refined or processed petroleum sales, while gas provided steady growth.
What it means for your money
This has no direct, immediate personal-finance change on its own, but stronger export earnings can matter for Nigerians if they improve foreign exchange inflows and support wider economic stability. Any effect on exchange rates, inflation or government finances will depend on broader policy and market conditions, not this data alone.
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What to watch next is whether the stronger first-half export performance is sustained in later CBN trade and external sector data. It will also be worth monitoring whether petroleum product exports remain elevated and whether crude oil and gas continue to provide the bulk of export earnings.
Another key issue is whether higher export receipts translate into stronger foreign exchange availability in the wider economy.
Nigeria’s export earnings rose sharply to $35.64 billion in the first half of 2026, led by a surge in petroleum product exports and supported by crude oil and gas. The figures underline the continued importance of energy exports to the country’s external earnings.
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