Nigeria, April 21 -- Nigeria imported about 61.7 million barrels of crude oil from the United States between January 2024 and January 2026, exposing a growing supply gap in the local refining market despite the country's status as a major oil exporter.



The trend reflects a major shift in Nigeria's energy sector, with domestic refineries now sourcing foreign crude to sustain operations. Analysts say the start of large-scale refining activity, especially at Dangote Refinery, increased demand for feedstock that local producers have struggled to meet.



Imports rose sharply during the review period after years of minimal trade between both countries. Volumes gathered pace in 2025, with June recording the highest monthly inflow as shipm...