The United States became a net exporter of crude oil to Nigeria for the first time in February and March 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The shift was driven by reduced U.S. refinery activity and increased Nigerian demand, particularly from the new Dangote refinery.
This marks a major reversal in trade flows. Nigeria, typically ranked among the top ten suppliers of crude to the U.S., was outpaced by American exports during those two months.
What’s behind the shift
According to the EIA, the slowdown in U.S. East Coast demand came as the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey underwent maintenance. At the same time, Nigeria’s newly commissioned Dangote refinery ramped up operations and sought crude inputs, increasing its reliance on U.S. barrels.
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The Dangote facility —Africa’s largest— began refining in January 2024 after years of delay. It is expected to hit full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (b/d) later this year.
U.S. crude exports to Nigeria reportedly hit 111,000 b/d in February and rose to 169,000 b/d in March. Meanwhile, U.S. imports from Nigeria dropped from 133,000 b/d in January to 54,000 b/d in February and 72,000 b/d in March.
Later in the year, imports from Nigeria rose again as U.S. refineries resumed operations and the Dangote plant faced unplanned maintenance.
