China and India have once again dominated Nigeria’s import landscape in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring a concentrated reliance on a few key global economies.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s total imports reached ₦15.43 trillion during this period, representing a 4.59% increase from Q1 2024, though a 7.02% decline compared to the previous quarter.

Nigeria’s exports also rose to ₦20.598 trillion, marking a 7.42% year-on-year increase and a 2.92% gain from Q4 2024.

Here is a ranking of Nigeria’s top ten import partners in Q1 2025, listed from first to tenth, as per NBS data.

— China leads as Nigeria’s top import partner, exporting ₦4.66 trillion during Q1 2025, representing 30.19% of total imports. Though down from ₦14.14 trillion in Q4 2024, China remains the largest source of Nigerian imports, especially in manufactured goods, electronics, machinery, and infrastructure products.

— India ranks second, exporting ₦1.72 trillion worth of pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, and industrial products. This is a decrease from ₦6.17 trillion the previous quarter.

— The United States is third, with ₦1.42 trillion in imports (9.22%), supplying technology, agricultural products, and machinery. This is down from ₦4.07 trillion in Q4 2024 but remains significant.

— The Netherlands retains fourth place with ₦809.83 billion (5.25%), exporting refined petroleum, food products, and industrial equipment.

— The United Arab Emirates stands fifth with ₦617.18 billion in exports, 4% of total imports, serving as a major re-export hub, especially for gold and luxury goods.

— Brazil holds sixth place with ₦562.16 billion in exports (3.64%), mainly agricultural commodities, sugar, and machinery.

— Saudi Arabia is seventh, contributing ₦515.12 billion or 3.34% of total imports, largely crude oil derivatives and petrochemical products.

— Belgium comes in eighth with ₦415.25 billion in exports, making up 2.69% of imports. Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and mechanical appliances dominate its exports.

— Spain ranks ninth, exporting goods worth ₦381.21 billion (2.47%). Its exports include industrial equipment, food products, and petroleum-related goods.

— United Kingdom occupies the tenth spot, with imports valued at ₦283.89 billion, accounting for 1.84% of Nigeria’s total imports. The UK exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, and educational resources.

This data reveals Nigeria’s growing trade alignment toward Eastern markets, particularly China and India, even as the United States and European countries continue as important but relatively shrinking partners.

The trend signals a shifting global trade pattern, with Nigeria deepening ties with Asia while maintaining a diverse international trading portfolio.

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