Top 10 Nigeria’s Fastest Growing Sectors in Q1 2025

The National Bureau of Statistics released GDP figures for Nigeria’s first quarter of 2025. These numbers show some parts of the economy grew very fast, even though there are still many challenges. Rail transport and pipelines grew by nearly 29 percent compared to last year.

This happened because more goods moved by train and new rail lines were built. Other sectors, such as mining and energy supply, also posted double‑digit gains.

Here are the top 10 Nigeria’s fastest growing sectors in Q1 2025:

Rail Transport and Pipeline

Rail transport and pipelines rose by 28.95 percent in Q1, the highest jump among all industries. Companies moved more cargo on new and repaired tracks between Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. The pipeline networks also got bigger, so more crude oil and refined products moved across the country. These improvements came from both government and private spending on rail and pipeline projects.

Metal Ores

The metal ores sector grew by 25.20 percent. This increase came from higher world prices for iron ore, tin and lead, and from more local mining. The government’s push to support miners and speed up export steps helped companies extract and ship more ores abroad. Better mining equipment and easier access to ports made this growth possible.

Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply

This sector grew by 18.65 percent, its best showing in years. Power plants ran more steadily, with fewer outages. Both gas‑fired stations and off‑grid solar systems made more electricity. Factories in the Southwest and Middle Belt, which often face power problems, saw real benefits from this more reliable supply.

Road Transport

Road transport saw growth of 18.46 percent as more goods moved on new highways. Projects like the Lagos‑Ibadan Expressway cut travel times and operating costs. Logistics companies upgraded cargo terminals and modernised their fleets. Investments in toll roads and better trucks helped transport operators carry more loads to more places.

Financial Institutions

Banks and other financial institutions expanded by 15.91 percent. They made more loans, handled more transactions and saw rising investor trust. New banking rules, such as stronger checks on bad loans and incentives for digital banking, cleaned up bank balance sheets and opened new income sources from mobile and agency banks.

Oil Refining

After upgrades at Dangote and Waltersmith refineries, oil refining grew by 11.51 percent. More local processing cut down on expensive fuel imports. As refineries ran closer to full capacity, they saved foreign exchange and boosted work in related fields like petrochemicals and transport.

Motion Pictures, Sound Recording and Music Production

Nigeria’s creative exports powered this sector’s 9.63 percent growth. Nollywood films and Afrobeats songs reached more international platforms, cinemas and licensing deals. New studios, training courses and digital channels helped filmmakers and musicians earn more from their work.

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

This sector also grew by 9.63 percent as Nigerians spent more on events, sports and tourism. Festivals, concerts and theme parks saw higher attendance. State governments supported this rise by hosting cultural events and making it easier to get permits.

Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation

This area grew by 9.43 percent thanks to new city projects and private deals. Water treatment plants reached more homes, sewer networks expanded, and waste‑to‑energy schemes began in Lagos and Abuja. These efforts created jobs and cleaner environments, showing an advanced market for environmental services.

Telecommunications

Telecoms rounded out the top ten with 7.82 percent growth. Though slightly below Q4 2024’s rate, this sector is essential for digital business and remote work. Expanding 4G/5G networks, more people using smartphones and creative data plans kept telecom companies growing.

Together, these ten sectors show where Nigeria’s economy is strong and where to focus next. Ongoing support for rail and power, deeper value chains in mining and refining, and more growth in digital and cultural industries will keep this progress going through 2025 and beyond.