Nigeria’s Crude Oil Imports from US Jump to 42 Million Barrels in 2025

Nigeria recorded a significant rise in crude oil imports from the United States in 2025, with total purchases reaching 42.13 million barrels within the first ten months of the year. This data was released by the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) and highlights a notable shift in Nigeria’s crude oil sourcing strategy.

When compared with the same period in 2024, the increase is substantial. Nigeria imported 15.79 million barrels of US crude oil between January and October 2024, meaning the 2025 figure reflects an additional 26.34 million barrels year-on-year.

In percentage terms, Nigeria’s crude oil imports from the United States expanded by approximately 167 percent, indicating that the country has more than doubled its reliance on US-sourced crude oil within a single year. This sharp rise points to changing dynamics in Nigeria’s energy supply chain, driven by growing demand and ongoing structural challenges in domestic crude production and distribution.

The contrast between both years is especially visible when monthly import patterns are examined. During 2024, Nigeria’s crude oil imports from the US were relatively inconsistent and remained modest throughout the year. Monthly volumes largely stayed below four million barrels, with a particularly sharp decline recorded in June 2024, when imports fell to just 1.04 million barrels.

This weaker performance in 2024 stands in clear contrast to the stronger and more sustained import activity seen in 2025.

A closer look at the month-by-month data for 2025 shows how Nigeria’s crude oil imports from the US steadily gained momentum as the year progressed. According to available records, no imports were registered in January for either year.

In February 2025, Nigeria imported 3.11 million barrels, slightly below the 3.61 million barrels recorded in February 2024. While this indicated a slow start, the trend quickly reversed in the following months.

By March 2025, imports climbed sharply to 5.25 million barrels, exceeding March 2024 figures by nearly 1.83 million barrels. This increase marked a clear departure from the previous year’s pattern and signaled rising demand.

Imports moderated in April 2025, falling to 2.04 million barrels, yet still remained higher than the 1.54 million barrels recorded in April 2024. In May, Nigeria imported 3.79 million barrels, representing an increase of about 1.71 million barrels compared to May of the previous year.

The most dramatic shift occurred in June 2025, when imports surged to 9.16 million barrels. This volume was nearly nine times higher than the amount imported in June 2024 and accounted for more than 20 percent of Nigeria’s total US crude purchases for the year so far. The June spike marked a decisive turning point, highlighting a rapid acceleration in demand.

Crude oil imports remained elevated in the following months. In July 2025, Nigeria imported 4.17 million barrels, slightly higher than the 4.10 million barrels recorded in July 2024. August followed with another strong performance, as imports rose to 6.24 million barrels, making it one of the highest monthly figures for the year.

The upward trend continued into September and October 2025, with each month recording 4.19 million barrels. This consistency toward the end of the period suggests sustained demand and a continued reliance on US crude oil supplies as Nigeria navigates ongoing challenges within its domestic oil sector.