This study examines the effect of international trade output from selected non-oil sectors on economic growth in Nigeria. Given how dependent the country is on crude oil exports, and the constant exposure to global oil price swings, this study shifts attention to other sectors. Specifically, agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services are treated as key areas for export diversification. The study then uses secondary data from 1992 to 2024 to examine how export outputs from these sectors relate to GDP. So, instead of looking at oil, the focus is more on whether these non-oil sectors actually contribute meaningfully to economic growth over time. The study is anchored on the Export-Led Growth theory. Empirical evidence suggests that even though non-oil sectors clearly have the potential to drive economic growth, that potential has not really been fully realised. A lot of it comes down to structural issues. Things like poor infrastructure, weak policy implementation, and limited investment keep holding these sectors back. The study aims to provide sector-specific insights that will guide policymakers in formulating targeted trade and diversification strategies to enhance sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
Keywords: Agriculture, Gross Domestic Product, International Trade, Manufacturing, Non-Oil Exports, Solid Minerals, economic growth, services sector
