Nigeria exported an estimated 148.9 million barrels of crude oil valued at about N20.22tn in the first five months of 2026, showcasing the scale of the country’s oil trade despite persistent concerns over production levels.
The crude barrels were exported by both international and indigenous oil companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
While the export of crude oil may lead to a lack of sufficient domestic feedstock for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries, it boosts the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
An analysis of crude oil production and export data for January to May 2026 showed that the country’s crude exports were worth approximately $14.66bn, equivalent to N20.22tn at an exchange rate of N1,380 to the dollar.
In comparison, Nigeria exported 154 million barrels of crude worth about $11.32bn during the same period of 2025. Although export volume in 2026 fell by 5.1 million barrels, representing a 3.3 per cent decline, the export value jumped by about $3.33bn, or 29.5 per cent, driven by significantly higher crude oil prices this year.
