By Ayomide Otitoju
The United States became a net exporter of crude oil to Nigeria for the first time in February and March 2025, according to a new report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The development marks a historic shift in the trade relationship between the two countries, with the U.S. typically importing Nigerian crude rather than supplying it.
EIA data showed that U.S. crude exports to Nigeria reached 111,000 barrels per day (b/d) in February and rose to 169,000 b/d in March. Meanwhile, U.S. crude imports from Nigeria fell to 54,000 b/d and 72,000 b/d, respectively — down from 133,000 b/d in January.
The reversal was largely driven by a slowdown in U.S. East Coast refinery demand, particularly due to maintenance at the Phillips 66 Bayway refinery in New Jersey. Simultaneously, Nigeria’s import demand surged, spurred by increased activity at the Dangote Refinery.
Although Nigerian imports rebounded later in the year following the Bayway refinery’s return to full capacity and unplanned maintenance at Dangote, the earlier months marked a turning point in trade dynamics.
“In nearly every year between 1973 and 2011, Nigeria ranked among the top five sources of U.S. crude oil imports,” the EIA noted. “More recently, Nigeria ranked ninth among U.S. crude oil import sources in 2024.”
The U.S. became less reliant on Nigerian crude following the shale boom, which ramped up domestic production of light, sweet crude oil — similar in quality to Nigerian grades.
