Nigeria’s import landscape in Q3 2025 remained heavily concentrated around a familiar group of global partners, with total imports hitting N161.23 trillion for the quarter, highlighting the scale of Nigeria’s dependence on foreign supplies amid weak local manufacturing capacity and rising consumption pressures.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), just ten countries accounted for N12.76 trillion worth of imports combined, representing 7.91% of Nigeria’s total import trade in the quarter.
This marked a 23.78% increase compared to the N10.31 trillion recorded from the same group in Q3 2024.
At the top of the list is China, which continues to dominate Nigeria’s import landscape, followed closely by the United States and India.
Below is a breakdown of Nigeria’s top ten trade partners in terms of imports in Q3 2025
China retained its position as Nigeria’s largest import partner by a wide margin, supplying N4.78 trillion worth of goods in Q3 2025.
China’s dominance reflects Nigeria’s strong dependence on machinery, telecommunications equipment, industrial chemicals, automobile parts, and renewable-energy components.
Top import products from China:
- Bus and lorry tyres — N110.29 billion
- Telecom transmission machines — N105.46 billion
- Photovoltaic solar panels — N75.34 billion
- Road tractors for semi-trailers — N73.52 billion
What the numbers mean for Nigeria
The combined N12.76 trillion imported altogether from these ten countries highlights just how concentrated Nigeria’s trade relationships remain, particularly in manufactured, industrial, and technology-driven goods.
With China, the US, and India alone accounting for 5.82% of the total trade and more than half of the combined value of the top ten countries, any disruption in these supply chains could quickly translate into higher prices, production bottlenecks, and supply shortages domestically.
For policymakers, the Q3 2025 data reinforces the urgency of deepening local manufacturing capacity, especially in areas such as machinery, auto components, plastics, and telecom hardware. At the same time, the scale and diversity of imports also present opportunities for technology transfer, targeted investment, and export-linked industrial policies that could gradually reduce Nigeria’s import dependence over the medium term.
