Nigeria has imported crude oil from Libya for the first time on record, underscoring mounting pressure on domestic crude availability despite the country retaining its position as Africa’s largest oil producer.
Data from the Energy Research Unit showed that Nigeria imported approximately two million barrels of Libyan crude in May, equivalent to about 64,500 barrels per day. The shipments were received primarily by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the continent’s largest refining facility with a nameplate processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.
The milestone transaction marks a significant shift in regional crude trade flows. Reports emerged in 2024 that Dangote Refinery was exploring crude supply arrangements with Libya’s National Oil Corporation, although the Libyan state oil company denied that negotiations were taking place. The latest imports indicate that commercial agreements have since been concluded.
The move comes as domestic crude supplies to Nigerian refineries continue to decline. Figures released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that local refineries received 15.84 million barrels of crude in May, down from 17.96 million barrels in April.
Industry participants have repeatedly raised concerns over inadequate feedstock, arguing that producers continue to prioritise exports over local refining. Between January and May 2026, Nigeria exported approximately 149 million barrels of crude oil, representing 68.7% of total production during the period. While exports remain a critical source of foreign exchange earnings, the trend has constrained supplies available to domestic refiners, forcing them to source crude from international markets.
Dangote Refinery has steadily diversified its crude slate throughout 2026 to maintain stable operations. In addition to Nigerian grades, the refinery has imported Cabinda and Saxi Batuque crude from Angola, Jubilee crude from Ghana, and, for the first time, supplies from Libya and Guyana. A diversified feedstock strategy enables the refinery to optimise production efficiency while reducing dependence on any single crude source.
The company also plans to expand its refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, a move that could significantly increase demand for reliable crude supplies across Africa and beyond.
The emergence of Libya as a supplier also reflects evolving energy trade patterns driven by global geopolitical uncertainty. Supply disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States and Iran have affected shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz , encouraging refiners to diversify procurement sources.
Despite Nigeria’s new purchases, Italy remained Libya’s largest crude buyer in May, followed by Greece, Spain and Turkey. Analysts say the growing integration of African crude producers and refiners could strengthen regional energy security while reshaping traditional global oil trade flows if domestic supply constraints in Nigeria persist.
