Nigeria spent a total of ₦3.53 trillion on the importation of raw materials in the first half of 2025, according to recent trade data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The report highlights a continuous rise in the country’s dependence on imported inputs for local manufacturing and industrial production.
The NBS data shows that the import bill for raw materials in Q1 and Q2 of 2025 rose sharply compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring persistent challenges in local production capacity and supply chain efficiency. The major imported items include chemicals, plastics, industrial machinery components, and agricultural inputs required for food and beverage production.
Economic analysts say the growing reliance on foreign raw materials reflects structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s manufacturing base, which continues to face challenges such as poor infrastructure, unstable power supply, limited access to credit, and fluctuating exchange rates.
According to the report, the top five sources of raw material imports were China, India, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands, with China maintaining its position as Nigeria’s largest trading partner. These countries supply essential industrial inputs that feed into Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, and construction sectors.
Experts have called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward industrial diversification by investing in local raw material production. They emphasized that improving local manufacturing capacity would reduce pressure on the naira, boost employment, and enhance Nigeria’s trade balance.
The government has also reiterated its commitment to supporting local industries through initiatives such as the Presidential Initiative on Industrial Revival, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and various tax incentives aimed at encouraging domestic production.
If effectively implemented, stakeholders believe these policies could help Nigeria save billions in foreign exchange and gradually reduce dependence on imported materials in the coming years.
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