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Nigeria has reaffirmed its status as the foremost African supplier of crude oil to the United States, exporting approximately USD 2.57 billion worth of crude between January and August 2025.
During this period, the country shipped 33.23 million barrels, accounting for 55% of all African crude imported into the U.S., according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In practical terms, more than one in every two barrels of African oil arriving at U.S. ports originated from Nigeria, underscoring the nation’s dominant role in transatlantic oil trade.
Nigeria’s export volumes significantly outpace those of other African producers such as Angola, Libya, and Ghana, highlighting the country’s competitive edge in supplying stable, high-quality crude. Between January and May alone, Nigeria supplied 17.39 million barrels valued at USD 1.34 billion, representing 62% of U.S. African crude purchases during that timeframe.
The sustained preference for Nigerian crude is largely driven by its light-sweet grade, which is cost-effective to refine and aligns with U.S. environmental and processing standards. Long-standing commercial relationships and shipping efficiencies further strengthen Nigeria’s position relative to competitors whose production is more volatile or politically constrained.
Despite this strong performance, the country faces potential shifts in its export dynamics due to domestic refining developments. The Dangote Refinery, currently Africa’s largest, is expanding from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to potentially become the world’s largest single-site refinery.
As this facility ramps up operations, a significant portion of Nigeria’s crude may be redirected from export markets to domestic refining. While the immediate impact on U.S. exports has been limited, the medium-term effect could reduce crude shipments abroad, while boosting foreign exchange retention and export earnings from refined petroleum products.
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To maintain its leadership in global crude supply, Nigeria will need to continue implementing strategic measures aimed at mitigating production losses, enhancing pipeline security, and ensuring consistent output, even as domestic refining capacity expands. The country’s 2025 export performance demonstrates its enduring relevance in international oil markets, but sustaining this dominance will require careful management of both domestic and global supply dynamics.
