March 19, (THEWILL) — The Dangote Refinery imported crude oil worth $3.74 billion in 2025, highlighting its growing dependence on foreign feedstock despite Nigeria’s status as a major oil producer. 
The scale of imports reflects persistent constraints in domestic crude supply, as local production shortfalls and existing export commitments limited the refinery’s access to sufficient volumes within Nigeria.
Industry data shows the refinery has increasingly sourced crude from international markets, including the United States, Brazil, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, to sustain operations.
In the first half of 2025 alone, it imported about 60 million barrels of crude, averaging 9 to 10 million barrels monthly, underscoring the intensity of its feedstock demand. 
With a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the facility one of the largest single-train refineries globally requires a steady and significant crude supply to operate optimally. 
Analysts say the heavy reliance on imported crude has broader implications for Nigeria’s external sector, as large dollar-denominated purchases could increase pressure on foreign exchange demand and affect the balance of payments.
However, the refinery’s operations are expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products over time, potentially offsetting forex outflows through lower fuel import bills and increased export of refined products.
The development underscores a structural paradox in Nigeria’s oil sector where a crude-rich nation increasingly depends on imports to sustain its largest refining asset highlighting the urgent need to resolve upstream supply bottlenecks and align domestic production with refining capacity.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
