Nigeria’s crude oil imports have climbed to a record 5.67 million metric tons in the first half of 2025, marking a 26.5 per cent increase from the 4.48 million metric tons recorded during the same period in 2024.
The rise reflects the growing influence of the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which now sources crude from diverse suppliers including the United States, Brazil, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Fresh data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) shows a mixed trend. In Q1 2025, crude imports fell by 30 per cent to 2.40 million metric tons, compared to 3.04 million metric tons in Q1 2024. But the momentum reversed in Q2 2025, with imports surging to 3.27 million metric tons — more than double the 1.44 million metric tons recorded in Q2 2024.
Since beginning operations in May 2023, and refining diesel and aviation fuel in early 2024, the Dangote Refinery has quickly become a game-changer in Nigeria’s oil trade. Beyond meeting local demand, it has positioned the country as a hub for both crude imports and product exports.
Figures also revealed that Nigeria exported 998,500 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS/petrol) in the first half of 2025 — a 7.45 per cent decline compared to the 1.08 million metric tons exported during the same period in 2024.
Analysts say with crude shipments flowing into Nigeria and petroleum products shipped out in rising volumes, the Dangote Refinery is reshaping trade patterns, redefining the energy landscape, and strengthening Nigeria’s role in the global downstream oil market.
Report by: Ubi Komonmo | Edited by: Chris Odjomah