Nigeria has gone 13 consecutive months without importing aviation fuel, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push toward energy self-sufficiency as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to reshape the domestic petroleum market.
Latest data released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed that no aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), commonly known as Jet A-1 fuel, was imported between June 2025 and June 2026. Instead, domestic refineries supplied the country’s aviation fuel requirements, with the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery accounting for virtually all deliveries during the period.
The development underscores Nigeria’s rapid transition from one of Africa’s largest importers of refined petroleum products to an emerging exporter of premium fuels. It also reflects the growing impact of local refining capacity on reducing the country’s dependence on foreign exchange for fuel imports.
Although domestic supply remained sufficient overall, refinery output fluctuated during the period. NMDPRA data showed aviation fuel receipts peaked at about 14 million litres per day in December 2025 before easing to six million litres per day in January 2026 and about 2.5 million litres per day by June 2026. National aviation fuel consumption stood at approximately 2.9 million litres per day in June, broadly in line with estimated daily demand.
Beyond satisfying local demand, Nigeria has strengthened its position in the international jet fuel market. Industry data indicate the Dangote Refinery exported roughly 466,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel to Europe in June 2026, almost double the volume shipped in May. The increase has positioned Nigeria among Europe’s fastest-growing suppliers of aviation fuel as regional buyers seek alternative sources of refined products.
Dangote Refinery has previously stated that it has sufficient production capacity to meet domestic requirements while maintaining export commitments. The company is also pursuing plans to expand refining capacity in the coming years, potentially reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a major global supplier of refined petroleum products.
However, the shift has not been without challenges. Aviation fuel prices rose sharply during the first quarter of 2026 amid volatility in global crude oil markets and foreign exchange pressures, pushing domestic airfares higher and increasing operating costs for airlines.
The competitive landscape has also become more contentious. Dangote Refinery recently transitioned fuel sales to a dollar-denominated pricing model after the suspension of the federal government’s naira-for-crude arrangement, arguing that crude oil purchases are largely priced in U.S. dollars.
At the same time, the refinery is challenging the issuance of fuel import licences to marketers through the courts, contending that continued import approvals undermine investments in domestic refining. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has maintained that allowing imports when necessary remains important for preserving competition and ensuring long-term supply security.
For investors and policymakers, the 13-month import-free streak represents a notable achievement in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum reforms. Sustaining the gains, however, will depend on reliable crude supply, stable pricing policies, competitive market conditions and consistent refinery operations.
