The landmark shipment highlights the need for diversified crude supply chains while raising questions about Nigeria’s ability to support its own refining capacity
To address ongoing shortfalls in domestic crude supply, Dangote Refinery has imported crude oil feedstock from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time.
The move is particularly notable given that Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer. Yet despite its vast oil resources, the country continues to face challenges in supplying sufficient crude to its own mega-refinery.
According to Africa Ports, Dangote Refinery purchased two cargoes totalling approximately 2 million barrels from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The shipment comprises Umm Lulu crude and a blend of Das and Murban grades.
These cargoes mark Dangote’s first crude imports from the Middle East, further expanding the refinery’s diversification strategy. It has already sourced crude from the United States, Brazil, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Ghana, Libya and Guyana to help secure a reliable supply of feedstock.
The imports come despite Nigeria producing more than 216 million barrels of crude oil during the first half of the year. However, rather than prioritising domestic refining, nearly 69% of the country’s production, around 148.9 million barrels, was exported, limiting the volume available to local refiners.
The situation has renewed debate over Nigeria’s crude allocation strategy. Despite hosting one of the world’s largest single-train refineries, the country continues to grapple with fuel import dependence and foreign exchange pressures. Strengthening domestic crude supply to local refineries could help improve energy security, reduce import costs and maximise value from Nigeria’s oil production.