Nigeria’s crude oil imports reached a historic peak in the first half of 2025, driven by the groundbreaking operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. It is worth noting that this shift highlights how the nation’s largest refinery is reshaping energy trade patterns and boosting economic activity.
Data released on September 22, from the Nigerian Ports Authority shows imports climbed 26.5% to 5,665,602 metric tons in the first half of 2025, up from 4,478,413 metric tons in the same period last year. The surge was uneven: First-quarter imports dropped 30% to 2,400,553 metric tons from 3,037,209 metric tons in early 2024. But the second quarter exploded by 126%, hitting 3,265,099 metric tons compared to just 1,441,204 metric tons previously.
Launched on May 22, 2023, the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility began refining diesel and aviation fuel in January 2024 after its initial crude shipment in December 2023. To fuel its massive capacity, Dangote has sourced oil from the United States, Brazil, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, while exporting refined products worldwide.
Experts point to supply constraints as the main reason for these imports. Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Sector Enterprise, explained that much of Nigeria’s domestic crude is locked in long-term sales deals and joint ventures with international oil companies, limiting local availability.
Maritime analyst Oluwabunmi Ogunjimi praised the refinery’s role in revitalizing the shipping industry. She noted increased traffic from Very Large Crude Carriers, generating revenue through ship dues and pilotage fees for the Nigerian Ports Authority. This has sparked jobs and growth along the supply chain.
Also see: Rivers State Hosts Workshop on Petroleum Industry Act, Urges Communities to Maximise Benefits
Clement Isong, head of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, added that blending imported crude with local supplies is standard practice to meet demand. Meanwhile, Mazi Colman Obasi of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association stressed that ramping up output takes time, and imports ensure steady refining.
On the production side, Nigeria targeted 2.06 million barrels per day in early 2025, with 37% earmarked for domestic use. Actual output hovered between 1.603 million and 1.737 million barrels daily from January to July, delivering 67,657,559 barrels to local refiners by August.
The government’s “Project 1 Million Barrels” aims for 2.5 million barrels per day soon, fostering self-reliance. Petrol exports dipped 7.45% to 998,500 metric tons in the first half, but overall, the refinery promises a positive trade balance and foreign exchange gains.
