The Dangote Refinery, situated on the outskirts of Lagos and boasting a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), has rapidly become a key importer of U.S. crude oil, underscoring shifting dynamics in global energy trade.
Owned by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, the refinery began fuel production in 2024 and has since ramped up operations, sourcing nearly one-third of its crude input from the United States, according to Bloomberg ship-tracking data. This marks a sharp increase in American imports, nearly doubling since the facility came online.
Analysts attribute the refinery’s growing reliance on U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude to both strategic and operational advantages. WTI is prized for its high yield of gasoline and other refined products—making it an ideal feedstock as the refinery scales toward full capacity.
“The versatility and availability of WTI make it a practical choice,” said one industry analyst. “As the plant continues to produce diesel, naphtha, and gasoline, selecting the right crude is crucial for efficiency and profitability.”
The move also comes as Nigeria’s own crude production experiences a decline, pushing the Dangote facility to seek alternative sources to maintain output. Meanwhile, weakening demand for U.S. crude in Asia—largely a result of ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions—has opened up more supply for West African buyers.
Ship-tracking data suggests the refinery’s imports of U.S. crude could reach 14 million barrels this summer, with Vitol Group, a leading global commodity trader, serving as the primary supplier.
In a recent gesture acknowledging government support, Aliko Dangote announced that the main access road to the refinery complex has been renamed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road, in honor of Nigeria’s president. The renaming was revealed during the commissioning of the Deep-Sea Port Access Road, which links the Dangote industrial zone to Eleko Junction in Lagos.
“You are largely responsible for the Dangote Refinery complex,” Dangote said during the ceremony. “This road now bears your name as a mark of our appreciation for your leadership and encouragement of private investment.”
He further noted that the access road is part of a broader infrastructure initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity. The network is expected to link the refinery with neighboring countries such as Chad and Cameroon, while also integrating it with strategic transport routes like the Epe–Ijebu–Ode corridor and the Sagamu–Benin Expressway.
