Nigeria imported crude oil worth ₦1.19 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 due to inadequate domestic supply to local refineries, according to a new report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), despite its status as Africa’s largest crude oil producer.
The data, published in the NBS’s Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics report for Q1 2025, shows that crude oil—classified as “Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude”—was Nigeria’s third most imported product during the period. The imported crude accounted for 7.7% of total imports, ranking behind only gas oil (₦1.83 trillion) and motor spirit ordinary (₦1.76 trillion).
A closer look at the figures reveals that the United States was Nigeria’s leading source of crude oil imports, delivering ₦726.84 billion worth—about 61% of the total. Angola and Algeria followed, supplying ₦223.58 billion and ₦122.37 billion, respectively.
Industry analysts say the figures highlight Nigeria’s continued struggle with domestic refinery operations. Despite abundant reserves, most local refineries remain underperforming, forcing the country to rely on foreign crude feedstock for processing.
The development raises concerns about energy security and the efficiency of Nigeria’s ongoing refinery rehabilitation efforts.
