In terms of economy, Nigeria’s economy is ranked 4th in Africa and 39th in the world with a nominal GDP of about $187.8 billion (1). The biggest contributing factor to that number is petroleum, which Nigeria relies on as its biggest source of revenue. The country’s vast oil reserves has allowed it to act as a trading partner to many of the world's top economies. For instance, much of Nigeria’s vast oil reserves are exported to the United States, with about 4.2 million barrels of crude oil (valued at about $311 million) being exported in May of 2025 alone(2). On average, Nigeria’s oil exports reach about $100 billion in annual profits(3).

With the population expected to boom even more in the coming years, the utilization of other natural resources will be necessary for the country to sustain its economy. The payoff from investing in these resources will be immense. Not only are there multiple large industries in Nigeria just waiting to be tapped into, but the development of these industries will raise the quality of life for millions of Africans, in turn creating a more productive economy.