Nigeria’s petrol imports surge as government refineries remain idle
Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol has hit record highs, with only the Dangote refinery producing fuel locally. Oil marketers and industry groups say the continued shutdown of the government’s three major refineries is forcing the country to import vast quantities of petrol. Despite previous investments and promises of rehabilitation, the refineries remain unproductive as of June 2025. Calls are growing for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency to revive the sector.
TLDR
- Nigeria imported around 1.5 billion litres of petrol in November 2025, the highest since Dangote refinery began production.
- Marketers blame the surge on the inactivity of NNPC’s Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, despite billions spent on their rehabilitation.
- Industry leaders like Chinedu Ukadike and Billy Gillis-Harry urge the government to prioritize getting these refineries operational to reduce import dependence.
- President Bola Tinubu is being pressed to declare a state of emergency on the refineries to stabilize prices and strengthen the economy.
- NNPC’s new chief, Bayo Ojulari, says a technical and commercial review is underway, with plans to bring in technical partners for possible overhaul or repurposing.
