Nigeria’s crude oil imports from the United States experienced a significant surge, reaching over 42 million barrels in the first ten months of 2025. This substantial increase, as reported by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), highlights a notable shift in the nation’s energy import patterns and is largely attributed to the operational ramp-up of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The data shows a remarkable 167 percent year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a growing reliance on US crude for refining feedstock.
In the initial ten months of 2025, Nigeria imported a total of 42.13 million barrels of crude oil from the US. This stands in stark contrast to the 15.79 million barrels imported during the corresponding period in 2024. The trend suggests a dynamic evolution in how Nigeria sources its crude, moving towards greater utilization of US supplies.
What is the primary driver behind Nigeria’s increased crude oil imports from the US?
The primary driver behind Nigeria’s increased crude oil imports from the US is the operational needs of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This refinery requires specific types of crude, and US light sweet crude has emerged as a preferred feedstock due to its suitability for complex refining processes.
Throughout 2024, Nigeria’s imports from the US remained relatively low, not exceeding four million barrels and even dropping to 1.04 million barrels in June, signaling a period of import instability. The year 2025, however, marks a decisive turn in this trend, with consistent and substantial import volumes.
While January 2025 saw no imports from the US, February registered 3.11 million barrels, a slight decrease from the 3.61 million barrels imported in February 2024. The momentum picked up significantly in March 2025, with imports jumping to 5.25 million barrels, a considerable rise from the nearly 1.83 million barrels in March 2024.
The EIA data further details monthly import figures. In May 2025, Nigeria imported 3.79 million barrels, an increase of approximately 1.71 million barrels compared to the previous year. June 2025 saw a further surge to 9.16 million barrels, demonstrating sustained demand.
Imports continued at a healthy pace in July, reaching 4.17 million barrels, slightly exceeding July 2024 levels. August followed with a substantial 6.24 million barrels, and both September and October recorded steady imports of 4.19 million barrels each, reinforcing the upward trajectory.
Analysts suggest that this escalating import volume is directly linked to the expanding refining capacity within Nigeria, particularly private refineries that require imported crude to meet their feedstock demands. The consistent intake of US crude highlights its importance in the domestic refining landscape.
This substantial increase in US crude intake, nearly tripling year-on-year with 42.13 million barrels imported in ten months, suggests that full-year volumes are likely to continue their upward trend if current import patterns hold.
Petroleum Economist, Prof. Wumi Iledare, commented on the implications of this trend. He noted that the sharp rise to over 42 million barrels in ten months represents a structural shift with significant macroeconomic and sectoral consequences for Nigeria.
The overall impact on the Nigerian economy will be critically dependent on factors such as exchange rate dynamics, the efficiency of domestic crude allocation, and the outcomes of refinery utilization. Crude oil imports will inevitably influence petroleum product prices and inflation, primarily through the exchange rate channel.
If macroeconomic stability is maintained and refinery utilization remains high, the net effect of these imports could be beneficial for output, income, and employment within Nigeria. However, without addressing domestic crude allocation and pricing constraints, there is a risk of entrenching a paradoxical dependence on imported feedstock, which runs counter to energy security and long-term industrial optimization goals.
This evolving import scenario underscores the intricate relationship between global energy markets, domestic refining capabilities, and Nigeria’s broader economic objectives. The sustained inflow of US crude oil necessitates careful management to ensure it contributes positively to national development.
