Malaysia’s exports to Nigeria grew by 20.7 per cent in 2025, reaching $664 million, reflecting stronger bilateral trade ties between the two countries.

Data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) showed that the growth was largely driven by increased exports of palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, which rose by 33.7 per cent.

Other significant contributors included transport equipment (up 1,260 per cent), machinery, equipment and parts (44.8 per cent), and processed food (28.1 per cent).

Malaysia’s main imports from Nigeria during the period were agricultural products (54.7 per cent), petroleum products (22.9 per cent), metalliferous ores and metal scrap (10.3 per cent), and crude petroleum (4.3 per cent).

Total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Nigeria reached $1.23 billion in 2025, making Nigeria Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa and 43rd globally.

The Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Aiyub Omar, said the sustained trade growth provided a strong foundation for deeper economic and strategic cooperation.

He noted that Malaysian companies were contributing not only through exports but also via services and expertise, particularly in Nigeria’s priority sectors such as palm oil development.

According to him, Malaysian firms are involved in build-operate-transfer arrangements, plantation management, infrastructure development, technical services and technology transfer.

He said the collaboration was supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a major global producer of palm oil.

Mr Omar added that Malaysian companies were currently engaged in the development of about 151,800 hectares of oil palm plantations in Nigeria.

He identified the halal industry as another key area of collaboration, in line with Nigeria’s efforts to develop its national halal ecosystem.

Mr Omar said Malaysia’s global halal exports were valued at $13.43 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $18.98 billion by 2030.

He also highlighted the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), scheduled for between September 23 and September 26, as a platform to boost trade and investment.

A Counsellor (Trade) at MATRADE Lagos, Jude Dass, said that Nigerian participation in MIHAS was expected to rise in 2026.

Mr Dass said eight Nigerian buyers and 21 buyers from West Africa participated in the 2025 edition, with stronger attendance anticipated this year.

He further identified healthcare services, particularly medical tourism, as another promising area for collaboration.

According to him, Nigerians spend between $1.5 billion and $3 billion annually on medical tourism, with destinations including India, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Mr Dass said Malaysia offered high-quality and cost-competitive healthcare services, supported by 194 private hospitals and 17,832 beds.

He added that Malaysia’s medical tourism industry, currently valued at $687.35 million, was projected to grow to $2 billion by 2030. 

(NAN)