Trade between Nigeria and Niger Republic rebounded strongly in 2024, with exports from Nigeria soaring by 77.12% to N82.38 billion, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The total trade volume between both countries climbed to N91.92 billion in 2024, up from N50.48 billion recorded in 2023, despite diplomatic tensions.
The sharp increase was largely driven by Nigerian exports to Niger, which jumped from N46.51 billion in 2023 to N82.38 billion in 2024. Exports accounted for 89.62% of total trade, reflecting a strong demand for Nigerian goods in the Sahel nation.
Imports from Niger also rebounded from N3.97 billion in 2023 to N9.53 billion in 2024, signalling a gradual recovery in economic exchanges.
The July 2023 coup that led to the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum triggered a diplomatic standoff between Nigeria and Niger, leading ECOWAS to impose sanctions on the country. These included border closures, financial restrictions, and the suspension of the electricity supply, all of which disrupted trade.
However, despite these restrictions, trade rebounded in 2024, reflecting a resilient demand for Nigerian products in Niger.
Nigeria’s top exports and imports from Niger
Nigeria’s trade with Mali and Burkina Faso also saw a notable increase in 2024, highlighting deepening economic ties with the two Sahel nations.
Total trade between Nigeria and Burkina Faso grew from N12.92 billion in 2023 to N18.26 billion in 2024, representing a 41.4% increase.
The alliance, created through the Liptako-Gourma Charter, aims to enhance security cooperation among the three military-led governments following their departure from ECOWAS in January 2024.