Nigeria now imports U.S. crude: a shift in global oil trade

The global oil trade map just tilted in an unexpected direction. For decades, Nigeria has been known as a reliable supplier of crude oil to the United States, not the other way around. 

But something changed in early 2025: the U.S. became a net exporter of crude oil to Nigeria for the first time.

This reversal is more than a data anomaly, it's a reflection of deeper structural shifts in refining capacity, national energy strategies, and international market pressures. 

Key facts behind the U.S.–Nigeria crude oil trade reversal

U.S. exported more than it imported

In February and March 2025, the U.S. shipped more crude oil to Nigeria than it received,  marking the first-ever net export of U.S. crude to the West African country.

Refinery maintenance played a role

The Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey was offline for maintenance during that period, reducing U.S. demand for imported light, sweet crude,  the kind Nigeria typically supplies.

The Dangote Refinery is changing the game

Nigeria’s new Dangote refinery, which began operations in early 2024, has a massive appetite for crude oil. With local supply falling short, it's turning to international markets, including the U.S.

U.S. crude exports surged to Nigeria

In March 2025, the U.S. exported 169,000 barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil to Nigeria, up from 111,000 b/d in February, according to EIA..

Nigeria’s imports to the U.S. fell sharply

At the same time, U.S. imports of Nigerian crude dropped from 133,000 b/d in January to just 54,000 b/d in February.

Temporary factors, permanent signals

Although the trade reversal was influenced by short-term refinery shutdowns, the combination of Nigerian refining demand and U.S. supply flexibility suggests this pattern may repeat.

Local vs. Dollar revenues in Nigeria

The Dangote refinery pays in naira, Nigeria’s weakened currency. The NNPC (Nigeria’s national oil company) often prefers selling crude internationally for hard currency, creating a supply gap at home.

NNPC’s supply constraints

Despite controlling the country’s resources, NNPC only supplies around 300,000 b/d to the Dangote refinery,  less than half of its full capacity.

Nigeria’s production has declined

From a peak of 2.4 million b/d in 2005, Nigeria’s production has fallen to 1.3 million b/d in 2024, limiting its ability to meet both domestic and export demands.

A new chapter in global oil trade

This reversal in flows highlights how energy infrastructure developments, like Dangote’s refinery and U.S. shale production, are reshaping traditional trade routes.

As Nigeria builds domestic capacity but struggles with production and currency challenges, and as U.S. refiners adjust to maintenance cycles and global demand, expect more surprises like this. 

Nigeria now imports U.S. crude: a shift in global oil trade