Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria increased by 20.7 per cent in 2025, reaching a total value of $664 million. This rise reflects growing bilateral economic relations and deeper engagement between the two countries amid global trade uncertainties.
The export growth was mainly driven by a 33.7 per cent rise in palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products. Other major contributors included transport equipment, which recorded an extraordinary 1,260 per cent increase, machinery, equipment, and parts with 44.8 per cent growth, and processed food at 28.1 per cent.
Jude Bryan S. Dass, Trade Counsellor at the High Commission of Malaysia in Lagos, stated that Malaysia’s primary imports from Nigeria in 2025 were led by agricultural products at 54.7 percent and petroleum products at 22.9 percent. Metalliferous ores and metal scrap made up 10.3 percent, while crude petroleum accounted for 4.3 percent of the import volume.
Total trade between Malaysia and Nigeria stood at $1.23 billion in 2025. This figure confirms Nigeria’s ranking as Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa and its 43rd largest trading partner worldwide, laying a strong base for expanded future cooperation.
Aiyub Omar, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Nigeria, welcomed the positive data, noting that Malaysian firms are shifting beyond simple commodity exchange toward active participation in Nigeria’s priority sectors. A key focus remains the development of the Nigerian palm oil industry through technology transfer and technical services.
Malaysian companies are presently managing about 151,800 hectares of oil palm plantations in Nigeria. Their involvement includes Build-Operate-Transfer arrangements and infrastructure projects aimed at helping Nigeria regain its position as a major global palm oil producer.
The High Commissioner highlighted the Halal industry as a vital area for future collaboration. With Malaysia’s global Halal exports expected to reach $18.98 billion by 2030, Nigeria has considerable potential to become part of this growing market. The Malaysia International Halal Showcase scheduled for 23–26 September 2026 is anticipated to play a central role in advancing this partnership.
The previous edition, MIHAS 2025, generated over 4,000 business meetings and $1.53 billion in sales. Trade Counsellor Jude Bryan S. Dass noted a burgeoning interest from Nigerian buyers and exhibitors for the 2026 event, following a strong showing from West African representatives in the prior year.
Malaysia is also positioning itself as an attractive destination for Nigerian medical tourists. Nigerians are estimated to spend between $1.5 billion and $3 billion each year on overseas healthcare, and Malaysia provides a more affordable option compared with destinations such as India and the United Kingdom.
Malaysia’s medical tourism industry, currently valued at around $87.35 million, is forecast to grow to $2 billion by 2030. The country’s network of 194 private hospitals delivers specialised care in fields including gastroenterology, surgical oncology, orthopaedics, and fertility treatments, offering valuable opportunities for Nigerian patients.
