Nigeria Exported 485m Barrels of Crude in 2025

Nigeria exported 485.44 million barrels of crude oil in 2025, representing 82% of total production, according to a report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The country produced 592 million barrels last year, averaging 1.62 million barrels per day (mbpd). Of this, 1.33 mbpd were exported, while 290,000 bpd (18%) were allocated to local refineries.

The report noted that the production mix remained stable, with crude accounting for 82% and condensates 18%, showing “structural consistency in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon portfolio.”

It added that lifting matched production at a 1:1 ratio, reflecting improved operations and accounting. However, the high export dependency underscores Nigeria’s reliance on international markets and exposure to global price volatility.

Domestic refinery supply, though smaller, was consistently allocated to support refining expansion and import substitution.

Future performance, the regulator said, will depend on OPEC dynamics, global demand trends, and stabilisation of local refining infrastructure.

The figures come as the Dangote Refinery struggles with crude shortages. Between October 2025 and mid-March 2026, the plant received only 29.21 million barrels, far below the 108.74 million barrels required to run at full capacity — a supply performance of just 26.9%.

Dangote Group complained that local producers were refusing to supply feedstock, forcing reliance on imported crude.

“We receive about five cargoes a month from NNPC, which we pay for in naira, but this falls short of the 13 cargoes required,” the company said.

Industry stakeholders, including the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), have called for increased crude supply to local refineries, stressing that consistent feedstock is vital for profitability and national energy security.