Full List: 10 Fastest-Growing Sectors as Nigeria Records Highest GDP Growth in Years

• Nigeria’s economy has rebounded, with a massive Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 4.23%
• The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released the GDP data on Monday, September 22, 2025, showing the fastest-growing sectors
• Experts remarked that these sectors hold potential for investment by foreign and local investors

Pascal Oparada, a reporter for Legit.ng, has over ten years of experience covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy.

Nigeria’s economy is regaining momentum, recording an impressive 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, according to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The standout story? A surge in infrastructure, transport, and resource-based industries that are reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 fastest-growing sectors powering Nigeria’s growth.

Coal Mining: 57.53% Growth

Coal mining made the biggest leap of the quarter. After contracting by -22.28% in Q1 2025, the sector rebounded sharply to 57.53% growth, topping the charts as Nigeria’s fastest-growing industry.

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Quarrying and other minerals: 45.86%

This sector staged a dramatic turnaround, bouncing from -21.15% in Q1 to 45.86% in Q2. Rising local extraction and strong global demand have kept the momentum alive.

Rail transport & pipelines: 43.08%

Rail transport and pipelines continued their winning streak. After leading growth in Q1 with 28.95%, the sector surged further to 43.08%, highlighting improved efficiency in Nigeria’s transport backbone.

Water transport: 27.90%

Nigeria’s waterways are seeing renewed activity. Water transport rose from a modest 3.46% in Q1 to a strong 27.90% in Q2, signalling increased logistics and trade.

Road transport: 24.50%

Road transport, a vital link for commerce, grew from 18.46% in Q1 to 24.50% in Q2, showing rising mobility of goods and people across the country.

Transportation and storage: 22.09%

The broader transportation and storage sector continued its expansion, growing from 14.80% in Q1 to 22.09% in Q2. The rise reflects stronger logistics and trade activities.

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Mining and quarrying: 20.86%

Driven by its high-performing sub-sectors, mining and quarrying jumped from 2.97% in Q1 to 20.86% in Q2. This sector continues to be a key growth driver.

Crude petroleum and natural gas: 20.46%

The oil sector showed signs of a comeback. After a sluggish 1.87% growth in Q1, it accelerated to 20.46% in Q2, significantly boosting overall GDP.

Electricity, gas, steam & air conditioning supply: 11.47%

While growth slowed from 18.65% in Q1, this essential services sector still managed a respectable 11.47% in Q2, underlining its resilience.

10. Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management, others: 10.60%

This often-overlooked sector maintained steady growth, rising from 9.43% in Q1 to 10.60% in Q2, reflecting growing demand for essential urban services.

Sectoral growth holds investment potential

Nigeria’s Q2 2025 GDP figures reveal a clear shift: the infrastructure, transport, and resource sectors are driving growth, while the oil sector makes a long-awaited rebound.

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If reforms hold and investment deepens, these industries could anchor the country’s journey toward sustained prosperity.

Osas Igho, a financial analyst, said that the growth in these sectors shows areas for investment by local and foreign investors.

“The NBS data is a window for investment in Nigeria. These show viable investment areas in Nigeria,” he said.

“We urge investors to look into these sectors and take a bite, and they will reap massive returns.”

Investor confidence soars as reforms take hold

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian oil and gas industry was experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with investor confidence on an upward trajectory.

This positive shift was attributed largely to the decisive implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the reform agenda spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu.

The Energy Governance Alliance (EGA), a prominent coalition advocating for transparency in the sector, lauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its chief executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, for their instrumental role in this transformation.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng