Economic Activities in Nigeria: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Nigeria, with a population of 232,679,478 (As of 2024, World Bank), is ranked 6th globally. Located in West Africa, Nigeria covers 923,770 sq. km, ranking 30th worldwide.

As of 2024, Nigeria had a GDP of about $252.26 billion, one of the largest economies in Africa. The figure reflects the sharp depreciation of the naira since 2023 (which lowered the US-dollar value of output) even after the National Bureau of Statistics rebased the economy in 2025. Nigeria’s GDP per capita stood at about $1,084 in 2024 (As of 2024, World Bank).

Despite facing challenges, Nigeria’s economy shows potential for growth and development in various sectors, contributing significantly to the country’s overall economic landscape.

What are the economic activities of Nigeria?

• Primary activities: 27.8% of GDP.
• Secondary activities: 16.7% of GDP.
• Tertiary activities: 55.5% of GDP (As of 2024, after the 2025 GDP rebasing).

Primary Sector of Nigeria

The primary sector in Nigeria, with 75.37% of its land dedicated to agriculture, is vital for the economy. Main products include yams, cassava, maize, oil palm fruit, rice, taro, bananas, vegetables, sorghum, and groundnuts. Despite contributing about 27.8% to the GDP (As of 2024), agriculture plays a crucial role in providing employment and food security.

The diverse range of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s significance in sustaining the country’s agricultural output and supporting livelihoods.

The country boasts diverse geology, leading to abundant natural resources. These include petroleum, natural gas, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, and arable land. These resources drive the economy through various industries, such as oil and gas, mining, and agriculture, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.Nigeria’s gas production ranks 17th globally, with 45,900 million m³ in 2020, fueling industries and boosting the economy.

Secondary Sector of Nigeria

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products. In Nigeria, main industrial products include crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, rubber products, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, and steel.Manufactures make up only 2.83% of Nigeria’s total exports in 2023, indicating their relatively minor significance in the country’s export sector.

Tertiary sector of Nigeria

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Nigeria encompasses services that enhance productivity and meet needs through intangible goods like expertise and advice. Key activities include healthcare, education, banking, communication, media, and tourism. These sectors contribute significantly to the country’s economy and development.Among these, Nigeria’s tourism industry plays a crucial role in its economy. The country boasts diverse cultural heritage and natural attractions, drawing visitors worldwide. Lagos and Calabar are among the most popular destinations, offering vibrant city life and annual festivals that showcase Nigeria’s rich traditions. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism could further boost its economic impact.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with over 222 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth. This connectivity fosters innovation, enhances communication, and drives digital services.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Nigeria

The military is a good example of how different economic activities work together. In the primary sector, Nigeria extracts resources for military use. The secondary sector involves making military equipment. The tertiary sector includes services provided by the military, like training and logistics. The quaternary sector focuses on military research and development, while the quinary sector deals with high-level decision-making and strategy.

In 2023, Nigeria’s military expenditure was about 3.19 billion US dollars, which is 0.64% of its GDP. The country has an active military force of 143,000 personnel. This means there are about 1.1 active military members for every 1,000 people in Nigeria.

International Trade of Nigeria

Import Activities of Nigeria

Nigeria’s import activities are significant, with total imports in 2024 amounting to about $47.2 billion, equivalent to roughly 18.7% of the country’s GDP (As of 2024).Nigeria’s main import activities include refined petroleum, wheat, garments, plastics, and cars. Its top import partners are China (32%), Belgium (11%), Netherlands (10%), India (8%), and the US (5%).

Exports Activities of Nigeria

As of 2024, Nigeria’s total exports amounted to about $56.8 billion, accounting for roughly 22.5% of its GDP. Exports remain a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with crude petroleum dominating.Nigeria’s export activities are diverse, with crude petroleum, natural gas, and fertilizers being the main commodities. The country’s top export partners are Spain, India, France, the US, and the Netherlands, with crude petroleum being the largest export product.

Nigeria economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Nigeria faces economic challenges due to fluctuating energy prices and reliance on oil exports. The country’s large labor force is mostly lower middle income, impacting overall growth. Despite being a regional leader in infrastructure, Nigeria struggles with diversifying its economy beyond oil and agriculture. Strengthening other industries like telecommunications and finance is crucial for sustainable development.

Sources

• World Bank: Nigeria
• IMF: Nigeria
• CIA World Factbook: Nigeria
• National Bureau of Statistics (Nigeria)
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow

Last updated: June 19, 2026