Nigeria’s economy recorded stronger growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with several sectors posting significant year-on-year expansions as economic activity improved across energy, telecommunications, entertainment, transport, and industrial production.
- +Top 10 fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria in Q1 2026
- +Fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria — Q1 2026 (real GDP growth)
According to the latest GDP data, Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.89% year-on-year in real terms in Q1 2026, higher than the 3.13% recorded in Q1 2025, signaling a faster pace of economic expansion amid improving output in both the services and industrial sectors.
According to the latest GDP data, Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.89% year-on-year in real terms in Q1 2026, higher than the 3.13% recorded in Q1 2025, signaling a faster pace of economic expansion amid improving output in both the services and industrial sectors.
A closer look at sectoral performance shows that the fastest-growing sectors in Q1 2026 were largely driven by rebounds in refining activity, stronger digital connectivity demand, improved infrastructure activity, expanding insurance penetration, and continued recovery in transport-related services.
The ranking also reflects a shift from the list of the Top 10 fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria in 2025 previously published by Nairametrics, as some sectors that experienced weak or volatile growth in 2025 staged sharp recoveries in early 2026.
Fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria — Q1 2026 (real GDP growth)
Nigeria’s creative industry remained among the fastest-growing sectors, with motion pictures and music production recording 8.86% growth in Q1 2026.
However, this was slightly below the 9.63% growth posted in Q1 2025.
The sector continues to benefit from the global popularity of Afrobeats, Nollywood productions, streaming platforms, and rising international licensing revenues.
