This unusual trade reversal follows Nigeria’s struggle to meet domestic supply obligations, especially to the Dangote refinery.
The United States became a net exporter of crude oil to Nigeria for the first time in February and March 2025, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has disclosed.
This unusual trade reversal follows Nigeria’s struggle to meet domestic supply obligations, especially to the Dangote refinery.
Data shows U.S. exports to Nigeria hit 111,000 bpd in February and 169,000 bpd in March, while imports fell to 54,000 bpd and 72,000 bpd, respectively.
Nigeria’s inability to supply enough crude to local refineries stems from underproduction and international oil companies’ refusal to divert from export contracts. The Dangote refinery, Africa’s largest, began operations in 2024 but has been forced to import crude due to domestic shortfalls.
Despite NUPRC’s guidelines on domestic supply, compliance remains weak. Analysts suggest the U.S.-Nigeria trade shift is likely temporary.
Refinery maintenance in the U.S. and sourcing challenges in Nigeria drove the rare development, but experts doubt it signals a long-term pattern.