Nigeria's local refining sector has imported an estimated two million barrels of crude oil from Libya, marking the first recorded import of Libyan crude into the country. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is understood to be the primary recipient of the shipment as it continues to seek alternative feedstock sources amid limited domestic crude supply.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the development comes despite Nigeria's status as a major crude oil producer, with a significant portion of locally produced crude still being exported, leaving domestic refineries struggling to secure adequate supplies.
A report by Libya Review revealed that Libya's crude oil exports reached a new milestone after Nigeria imported approximately 64,500 barrels of Libyan crude per day in May 2026, amounting to about two million barrels for the month.
The report, citing data from the Energy Research Unit, noted that this represents the first documented import of Libyan crude into Nigeria since records began in 2013.
The latest shipment follows reports in 2024 that the Dangote Refinery was in discussions with Libya over crude oil purchases. At the time, Libya's National Oil Corporation denied engaging in negotiations with any Nigerian refinery.
In a statement issued in July 2024, the corporation maintained that it remained committed to existing agreements with international partners and adhered strictly to its established crude oil sales procedures. It also explained that crude pricing was determined by a committee of experts and approved by both the corporation and Libya's Ministry of Oil and Gas.
However, recent developments indicate that the supply arrangement has now materialised, with two million barrels delivered in a single month.
As the Dangote Refinery increases its refining capacity to about 700,000 barrels per day and targets 1.4 million barrels daily by 2028, the facility continues to diversify its crude sources.
Industry data from S&P Global Energy show that in 2026 the refinery has imported Angola's Cabinda and Saxi Batuque crude grades, Ghana's Jubilee crude, and, for the first time, crude from Libya and Guyana—all classified as light sweet or medium sweet crude varieties.
Domestic refiners have repeatedly raised concerns over inadequate access to Nigerian crude, attributing the situation to the country's heavy export commitments.
Data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicate that Nigeria exported approximately 148.9 million barrels of crude oil valued at about N20.22 trillion between January and May 2026.
The exports were carried out by both international and indigenous oil companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
During the same five-month period, Nigeria produced about 216.85 million barrels of crude oil, meaning roughly 68.7 per cent of total production was exported. This left approximately 67.95 million barrels available for domestic refining, storage, operational needs and inventory management.
The importation of Libyan crude also comes as global oil markets continue to adjust to supply disruptions linked to tensions involving the United States and Iran, which have affected energy shipments through the Gulf region. These developments have enabled Libya to expand its crude exports across African and European markets.
Libya has also strengthened energy cooperation with neighbouring countries while competing with Nigeria for major oil investments.
Available data show that Egypt imported about 33,000 barrels per day of Libyan crude in April 2026 after taking in 57,000 barrels per day in February, representing its first imports from Libya since 2019 as part of efforts to diversify supply sources.
Similarly, Tunisia increased its purchases of Libyan crude during 2026, importing around 19,000 barrels per day in March and 10,000 barrels per day in May after years of only occasional imports.
Italy remained Libya's largest customer, importing about 348,000 barrels per day in May, representing nearly one-third of the country's total crude exports. Greece, Spain and Turkey also ranked among Libya's leading crude oil buyers.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery recently expanded its crude sourcing strategy further by purchasing two cargoes of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates, marking its first-ever acquisition of Middle Eastern crude.
According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, the refinery's latest purchases represent a strategic shift from its previous dependence on Nigerian, African and United States crude grades as it continues to diversify supply sources in response to persistent domestic crude shortages.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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