Nigeria’s trade sector contributed 17.89% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2026.
- +Nigeria’s trade sector records 17.89% GDP contribution in Q1 2026
This is according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This is according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest figures demonstrate the continued importance of trade as one of the largest contributors to Nigeria’s economic output despite persistent macroeconomic pressures affecting businesses, imports, and consumer spending.
The NBS GDP report showed that the sector’s contribution in Q1 2026 was slightly lower than the 18.21% recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025 but higher than the 16.84% posted in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The latest NBS figures showed that the trade sector recorded moderate year-on-year growth during the review period despite weaker quarter-on-quarter performance.
The report also noted that trade contributed 18.20% to nominal GDP in Q1 2026, compared to 15.52% in Q1 2025 and 19.10% in Q4 2025.
Nigeria’s economy recorded overall real GDP growth of 3.89% year-on-year in Q1 2026, indicating gradual economic expansion despite lingering structural challenges.
Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N1.71 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025, even as exports declined during the period.
Exports accounted for 52.36% of Nigeria’s total trade in Q4 2025, valued at N18.96 trillion.
Nairametrics reports that Nigeria’s total merchandise trade rose to N38.9 trillion in the third quarter of 2025.
