Nigeria exports $2.5bn worth crude oil to U.S. in eight months

Nigeria shipped about 33.23 million barrels of crude oil to the United States between January and August 2025, earning an estimated $2.57 billion and securing its position as Africa’s largest supplier of crude to the American market.

Figures released by the U.S. Mission show that Nigeria accounted for more than half of all crude oil shipped from Africa to the U.S. during the period, placing it far ahead of other producers on the continent.

In a post on its official X account, the U.S. Mission highlighted Nigeria’s leading role, noting that the strong trade ties “create jobs and drive prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The milestone comes amid shifting patterns in oil trade between both countries. Earlier in the year, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) revealed a rare situation in which Nigeria imported more crude from the U.S. than it exported.

This happened in February and March 2025, as U.S. shipments to Nigeria rose to 111,000 barrels per day in February and 169,000 barrels per day in March, while U.S. imports from Nigeria dropped to 54,000 and 72,000 barrels per day, respectively.

Analysts say the shift reflects changes in domestic demand as Nigeria’s refining capacity grows — particularly with the Dangote Refinery, the continent’s largest, which began operations in January 2024 and has a planned capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

The refinery’s need for crude has temporarily altered the balance between imports and exports as operators adjust supply blends and logistics.

Looking ahead, experts project that Nigeria’s crude exports to the U.S. could rise again in 2026, as the Dangote Refinery boosts exports of refined fuels such as petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.

This is expected to lower Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and improve overall efficiency in the oil industry.

For the U.S., increased trade in both crude and refined products would deepen energy ties with Nigeria, adding more value to the partnership.

Nigerian crude — known for being light and low in sulphur — remains attractive to American refineries seeking cleaner and flexible feedstock options.

Despite challenges such as security issues, supply disruptions, and global price swings, Nigeria’s oil sector has shown resilience.

Output has improved over the past year, and authorities are targeting production of up to 2 million barrels per day in 2026.