Crude oil imports through Lagos ports declined by 38.6 per cent in September 2026, with 1,470,109 metric tonnes recorded so far this month, compared with 2,392,354 metric tonnes in August.
The figures were contained in the latest shipping position obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). However, the September figure is not yet final because eight days remained in the month when the data was compiled.
Despite the decline in crude oil imports, petroleum products continued to account for a significant portion of cargo arriving through Lagos ports.
Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, recorded the highest volume among the petroleum products listed, with 526,500 metric tonnes imported during the period.
Aviation Turbine Fuel, commonly known as JET A1, followed with 167,000 metric tonnes, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel, stood at 82,500 metric tonnes.
The port data also showed that 173,483 metric tonnes of bulk wheat were imported during the period under review.
The decline in crude oil imports comes amid continued activity across Nigeria’s maritime petroleum supply chain. Lagos ports remain an important gateway for petroleum products and other commodities entering the country.
However, the NPA data used for the September comparison does not include crude oil imports through the Lekki Deep Sea Port. As a result, the figures do not represent the total volume of crude oil imported into Nigeria during the period.
Lekki Port has become increasingly important to Nigeria’s maritime sector. NPA data reported earlier in September showed that the port accounted for 48.4 per cent of vessel calls recorded across Nigerian ports in the first half of 2026, while operations connected to the Dangote Refinery contributed significantly to its cargo activity.
The latest Lagos port figures therefore reflect activity at the ports covered by the shipping position rather than the country’s complete maritime import picture.
The movement in crude and petroleum-product imports will continue to be closely watched as Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity expands and shipping activity adjusts to changes in local fuel supply and demand.
