Nigeria's total exports reached ₦38.6 trillion in H1 2024 — ₦19.2 trillion in Q1 and ₦19.4 trillion in Q2.
Spain led export destinations in Q2 with ₦2.01 trillion, followed by the US (₦1.86 trillion) and France (₦1.82 trillion).
Over the past six decades, African economies have experienced both rapid growth and severe contractions.
Nigeria and South Africa, often considered the continent’s economic heavyweights, have consistently ranked among Africa's top three economies since 1960.
North African Libya, Algeria and Egypt have also been in the top three in the period.
As of 2023, Egypt led the continent's GDP rankings.
Nigeria's VAT collections have shown consistent growth over the past few years, hitting a record high in Q2 2024, declining only once (Q3 2021) in 13 quarters.
The finance minister recently confirmed that the VAT rate remains at 7.5%, dispelling rumours of an increase.
In Q2 2024, Nigeria’s Company Income Tax (CIT) collections reached ₦2.47 trillion, a record-high figure that could cover about 9% of the nation’s ₦28.78 trillion budget.
The surge may be due to improved corporate profitability, better tax compliance, and stricter enforcement. The higher exchange rate probably played a role too.
Since its debut at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, Nigeria has become one of the most successful African nations in the Paralympic Games, winning an average of ten medals per edition.
Nigeria’s Paralympic team has secured medals in every participation since their debut.
Since 2020, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has seen a 1,048% profit increase, totalling ₦6.8 trillion over four years.
From nearly eliminating losses in 2019, NNPC achieved a 16,982% profit surge in 2020. The growth persisted with 135% in 2021 and 278% in 2022.
Despite a steady 29% increase in 2023, rising debts and fuel scarcity cast doubt on the sustainability of this success.
The 2024 Global Peace Index reveals a decline in peacefulness in 97 countries, the highest since the index began.
Nigeria is among the nations affected by regional conflicts and rising violence. With a peace index score of 2.91, Nigeria is facing increasing challenges.
A deteriorating peace score impacts foreign investment and economic stability. Global economic losses due to violence reached $19.1 trillion in 2023.
According to 2022 and 2023 data for 40 African countries, Egypt leads in the value of manufacturing output reaching $59.6 billion in 2023 despite a 21% drop from 2022.
Nigeria follows with $55.7 billion, while South Africa comes third with $48.8 billion.
When Olusegun Obasanjo took office in 1999, the exchange rate was ₦97 to $1; it was ₦128 under Yar'Adua in 2007. During Jonathan's tenure in 2010 it was ₦151 while it was ₦199 when Buhari was in office.
Despite efforts to let market forces decide the rate, the naira continues to weaken. Will the current administration turn things around soon?
Nigeria's manufacturing sector contributed 9.2% (₦3.37 trillion) to the total GDP in H1 2024, mainly driven by food, clothing, and cement, which make up a combined 79.5% of the sector's GDP.
Smaller sectors like Non-Metallic Products, Wood & Wood Products, and Motor Vehicles & Assembly could expand with targeted investments. The minimal impact of Oil Refining and Electrical & Electronics underscores the need for diversification.
