By David Akinmola
Nigeria’s economy recorded a solid upswing in the third quarter of 2025, growing by 3.98 per cent year-on-year, fuelled largely by robust performances in agriculture and key industrial segments, according to newly released national accounts data.
The latest figures show sustained momentum in primary production, with crop farming, livestock and fisheries posting steady gains despite persistent weather and logistics challenges.
Industrial output also strengthened, boosted by improved capacity utilisation in manufacturing, rising cement production, and a modest recovery in oil and gas activities.
Economic analysts say the growth number reflects improved sectoral diversification, supported by better access to credit for agribusinesses, expanding domestic demand for manufactured goods and stabilising crude oil output.
Government officials welcomed the development, describing it as evidence that ongoing reforms in the real sector are beginning to yield results.
The Ministry of Finance said targeted interventions—particularly in agriculture, energy supply and industrial inputs—played a key role in sustaining the upward trend.
Despite the favourable growth indicators, experts warn that structural reforms, FX stability, and improved infrastructure remain critical to sustaining the trajectory into 2026.
They also urged policymakers to deepen investment in value-added processing and export-driven industries to shield the economy from external shocks.
Nigeria’s Q3 performance marks one of its strongest quarterly growth outcomes in recent years and reinforces optimism of a firmer economic rebound as the year draws to a close.
