US sharply reduces Nigerian crude oil imports
The United States has significantly cut its imports of Nigerian crude oil, with a steep month-on-month decline. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show a sharp drop in both the volume and value of crude oil imports from Nigeria. The reduction comes amid broader changes in U.S. trade patterns and new tariff policies under Donald Trump. Nigerian officials and experts have commented on the limited impact of these shifts on the country's economy.
TLDR
- U.S. crude oil imports from Nigeria dropped by about 47.16 per cent month-on-month in January 2026, falling to 1.664 million barrels from 3.149 million barrels in December 2025.
- The customs value of Nigerian crude imports declined from $217.36m in December to $115.99m in January, with the cost, insurance, and freight value also falling.
- Nigeria’s share of total U.S. crude imports weakened, accounting for roughly 0.88 per cent in January compared to about 1.59 per cent in December.
- The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reported a profit after tax of N385bn in January 2026, despite a sharp 47 per cent drop in monthly revenue.
- Donald Trump’s tariff policies and visa restrictions have affected broader trade and business interactions, but experts say Nigeria’s trade exposure to the U.S. remains limited.
