How to Start an Exportation Business in Nigeria for 2025

Nigeria is richly blessed with agricultural produce, solid minerals, and manufactured goods that are in high demand across the world. For decades, the country has depended heavily on crude oil exports, but in recent years, the government has been encouraging non-oil exports as part of its economic diversification agenda.

Starting an exportation business in Nigeria in 2025 is not just an opportunity—it is a goldmine. From cocoa and cashew nuts in the southwest, ginger and hibiscus flowers from the north, to palm oil and rubber in the south-south, Nigerian exporters are cashing in on a growing global appetite for African products.

But exporting is not as simple as buying and shipping. It involves understanding international trade laws, registering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), complying with standards, packaging correctly, and building relationships with reliable buyers abroad.

This guide is your step-by-step roadmap on how to start an exportation business in Nigeria—covering costs, licenses, product selection, risks, and success tips.

Understanding the Nigerian Export Market

Before jumping into exportation, it is important to understand why this industry matters and what role Nigeria plays in global trade.

• Contribution to Economy: Exports bring in foreign exchange (USD, GBP, EUR), which helps stabilize the naira.
• Government Support: The Nigerian government has several export financing schemes, including the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and loans from the Bank of Industry (BOI).
• Global Demand: According to NEPC, demand for Nigerian agricultural exports has grown by 20% year-on-year since 2021, with cashew and sesame seeds leading the charge.
• Employment: Export businesses create jobs in farming, logistics, warehousing, and distribution.

In short, exportation is not just profitable for the entrepreneur—it also fuels national economic growth.

Research Profitable Export Products in Nigeria

Choosing the right product is the foundation of your business.

Top Agricultural Export Products (2025):

1. Cocoa – Nigeria is the 4th largest producer globally.
2. Cashew nuts – Oyo, Kogi, and Enugu states dominate production.
3. Sesame seeds – High demand in Japan, China, and Turkey.
4. Ginger – Kaduna and Plateau states supply 90% of exports.
5. Hibiscus flower (Zobo) – Popular in Mexico and Europe.
6. Palm oil – Still a global commodity with strong Asian demand.

Solid Minerals:

• Gold
• Tin
• Limestone
• Lead and Zinc

Processed & Manufactured Goods:

• Leather (from Kano and Aba)
• Textiles and garments
• Shea butter
• Honey

👉 Pro Tip: Start with one product, preferably an agricultural commodity with stable supply, before diversifying.

Registering Your Business Legally

To be taken seriously by international buyers, you must operate as a registered entity.

Steps:

1. Register with CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission)
   • Options: Business Name or Limited Liability Company.
   • Cost: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 depending on structure.
2. Open a Corporate Bank Account
   • Required for processing foreign payments.
3. Register with NEPC (Nigerian Export Promotion Council)
   • Get an Exporter’s Certificate (valid for 2 years, renewable).
   • Cost: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000.
4. Tax Identification Number (TIN)
   • Needed for tax and customs clearance.

👉 Without these, you cannot legally export from Nigeria.

Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Certifications

Each product has specific regulatory requirements.

• Food & Agricultural Products:
  • NAFDAC certification (food and drugs).
  • Phytosanitary certificate (issued by Quarantine Service).
  • SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program).
• Solid Minerals:
  • Mining license from Ministry of Mines.
• Processed Goods:
  • International certifications like ISO, HACCP for credibility.

Having the right certifications not only reduces risks of goods being rejected abroad but also boosts buyer confidence.

Sourcing High-Quality Products

Your export business is only as strong as your supply chain.

• Build partnerships with farmers’ cooperatives.
• Consider setting up a warehouse to store goods before shipment.
• Train suppliers on international quality standards.
• Invest in simple processing (e.g., drying, cleaning, packaging) to add value.

👉 Example: Instead of exporting raw cashew nuts, process them into kernels—profit margins can increase by 30–40%.

Packaging, Labeling, and Compliance

International buyers expect professional packaging that meets safety and logistics standards.

• Use moisture-proof bags for grains.
• Label must include: Product name, country of origin (Nigeria), net weight, batch number, expiration date.
• For eco-conscious markets (like Europe), use biodegradable packaging.

Failure to package correctly can lead to goods being rejected at destination ports.

Finding International Buyers

This is where most Nigerian exporters struggle. Some proven strategies include:

1. Trade Fairs & Expos: Lagos International Trade Fair, China Import Expo (CIIE).
2. Export Platforms: Alibaba, Tradekey, EC21, ExportersIndia.
3. Embassies & Trade Missions: Contact Nigerian embassies abroad—they often maintain lists of buyers.
4. Export Agents/Brokers: Useful if you’re new, though they take commission.
5. Social Media & Websites: Build a professional website showcasing your products.

👉 Case Study: A cashew exporter from Kogi State secured a $1.2 million annual deal after listing products on Alibaba Gold Supplier.

Logistics and Shipping

You must decide between air freight and sea freight.

• Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Best for perishable goods.
• Sea Freight: Cheaper, suitable for bulk exports like cashew or sesame.

Other considerations:

• Work with licensed clearing agents at Nigerian Ports Authority.
• Learn Incoterms (e.g., FOB – Free on Board, CIF – Cost Insurance & Freight).
• Understand container types (20ft vs 40ft).

Securing Export Financing

Exporting requires significant working capital. Funding options include:

• Commercial Banks: Provide export financing loans.
• CBN Export Stimulation Facility (ESF): For small and medium exporters.
• Bank of Industry (BOI): Loans at single-digit interest rates.
• Export Credit Insurance: Protects you from buyer default.

👉 Example: If a German buyer fails to pay, export credit insurance ensures you recover part of the money.

Cost of Starting an Export Business in Nigeria

The cost depends on scale:

Small-Scale Exporter (₦1m – ₦3m):

• Registration & licensing: ₦100,000
• Initial goods (e.g., 5 tons of sesame): ₦1.5m
• Packaging & logistics: ₦300,000

Medium-Scale Exporter (₦5m – ₦15m):

• Product procurement (20–50 tons).
• Warehousing and staff.
• International marketing budget.

Large-Scale Exporter (₦50m+):

• Processing plant (e.g., cashew processing).
• Long-term contracts with foreign buyers.
• Dedicated logistics partnerships.

Risks and Challenges in Exportation

1. Foreign Exchange Risk – Naira devaluation affects profits.
2. Port Congestion – Delays at Apapa and Tin Can ports.
3. Regulatory Bottlenecks – Constant policy changes.
4. Fraudulent Buyers/Agents – Risk of scams.
5. Quality Rejection – If goods don’t meet international standards.

Solutions:

• Use forward contracts to hedge FX.
• Work with licensed clearing agents.
• Verify buyers using chambers of commerce.
• Invest in quality testing labs.

Best Export Products from Nigeria in 2025

Product	Demand Market	Profit Potential	Notes
Cocoa	Europe, USA	High	Stable market
Cashew Nuts	Vietnam, India, UAE	Very High	Value addition profitable
Sesame Seeds	China, Japan	High	Strong demand
Ginger	Europe, Middle East	High	Used in food & pharma
Shea Butter	USA, France	Medium-High	Cosmetics industry

Future of Export Business in Nigeria

The export sector is expected to grow rapidly in the next decade due to:

• AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement) opening intra-African trade.
• Digital platforms making buyer discovery easier.
• Government’s commitment to non-oil exports.
• Demand for organic agricultural produce rising globally.

FAQs

Q1: How much does it cost to start an export business in Nigeria?
A: Small scale may cost ₦1–2m, medium ₦5–15m, large scale ₦50m+.

Q2: Do I need an export license?
A: Yes, an NEPC Export Certificate is mandatory.

Q3: What are the most profitable products?
A: Cashew, sesame seeds, cocoa, ginger, and shea butter.

Q4: Can I start as an individual?
A: Yes, but registering a company builds credibility.

Q5: How do I find buyers?
A: Online platforms, trade fairs, and Nigerian embassies abroad.

Q6: How long does it take to export?
A: Processing + shipping can take 3–6 weeks depending on logistics.

Q7: Which banks support exporters?
A: Zenith, Access, UBA, GTBank, BOI, and CBN’s ESF.

Q8: Can I get grants for export?
A: Yes, through NEPC’s Export Expansion Grant.

Q9: Which is better: raw or processed export?
A: Processed is more profitable but requires higher investment.

Q10: What mistakes should I avoid?
A: Poor packaging, unverified buyers, and neglecting certifications.

Final Thoughts

Starting an exportation business in Nigeria is one of the most profitable ventures in 2025. With proper registration, reliable suppliers, strong buyer connections, and good financing, you can build a sustainable business that earns in foreign currency.

Instead of seeing exportation as complex, see it as a structured business system. Begin with one product, build your network, learn from experience, and scale gradually.