Nigeria’s U.S. Crude Oil Imports Surge to 42 Million Barrels with in 10 Months
Nigeria’s crude oil imports from the United States jumped to 42.13 million barrels between January and October 2025, driven largely by rising demand from the Dangote Refinery.
Nigeria’s U.S. Crude Oil Imports Hit 42 Million Barrels within 10 Months
Nigeria imported more than 42 million barrels of crude oil from the United States in the first ten months of 2025, marking a dramatic year-on-year increase driven largely by the operational expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that between January and October 2025, Nigeria brought in 42.13 million barrels of U.S. crude. This represents a sharp rise from 15.79 million barrels recorded during the same period in 2024—an increase of approximately 167 percent.
The figures highlight a major shift in Nigeria’s crude sourcing pattern. In 2024, monthly imports were erratic and rarely exceeded four million barrels, plunging to just 1.04 million barrels in June, reflecting instability in supply and refinery operations.
Although Nigeria recorded no imports from the U.S. in January 2025, volumes began climbing in subsequent months. February saw 3.11 million barrels, followed by a jump to 5.25 million barrels in March, up from just 1.83 million barrels a year earlier.
Imports continued to rise through the year, reaching:
- 3.79 million barrels in May
- 9.16 million barrels in June
- 4.17 million barrels in July
- 6.24 million barrels in August
- 4.19 million barrels each in September and October
Energy analysts say the surge reflects Nigeria’s growing reliance on imported crude to meet refinery feedstock needs, particularly as privately owned facilities ramp up operations.
Petroleumprice.ng noted that with more than 42 million barrels already imported in ten months, Nigeria’s intake of U.S. crude has nearly tripled year-on-year. If the current trend continues, full-year volumes are expected to climb even higher.
The report also points to a steady increase in crude intake at the Dangote Refinery, where U.S. light sweet crude has become a preferred option due to its compatibility with advanced refining processes.
Reacting to the development, Petroleum Economist Prof. Wumi Iledare described the surge as a structural shift with wide-ranging implications.
“The sharp increase in Nigeria’s crude oil imports from the United States—rising to over 42 million barrels in the first ten months of 2025—marks a major change with important macroeconomic and sectoral consequences,” he said.
According to Iledare, the overall impact on the economy will depend on exchange rate stability, the efficiency of domestic crude allocation, and refinery performance.
“Crude imports will influence fuel prices and inflation mainly through the exchange rate channel. If macroeconomic stability is preserved and refinery utilisation remains high, the net effect can be positive for output, income, and employment,” he explained.
However, he warned that unresolved issues around domestic crude supply could create a paradox.
“Without addressing local allocation and pricing constraints, Nigeria risks deepening its dependence on imported feedstock—an outcome that undermines energy security and long-term industrial optimization.”
