The United Kingdom has significantly increased its imports of refined petroleum products from Nigeria, with a total value of £1.02bn in the 12 months ending June 2026. This represents a substantial shift in bilateral energy trade, driven by the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. According to the UK government's Trade and Investment Factsheet, refined petroleum products accounted for 53.5 per cent of Britain's total merchandise imports from Nigeria during this period.
The increase in refined petroleum product imports from Nigeria marks a significant change in the country's trade relationship with the UK. In contrast, crude oil imports from Nigeria declined by 56.2 per cent to £550.3m during the same period. This decline suggests that Nigeria is increasingly supplying processed petroleum products rather than relying predominantly on crude oil exports. The Dangote Refinery, with a nameplate processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has been instrumental in this shift.
The Dangote Refinery's expansion has not only increased Nigeria's capacity to export processed fuel but also reduced the country's reliance on imported refined petroleum products. According to the US Energy Information Administration, Nigeria's seaborne petroleum product exports have increased sevenfold since 2023. The agency noted that with the increased supply of petroleum products in Nigeria from the Dangote refinery, imports fell, exports increased, and Nigeria became more self-sufficient in refined petroleum products.
The UK government's Trade and Investment Factsheet also revealed that refined oil imports from Nigeria rose by more than 100 per cent compared with the corresponding 12 months ending June 2025. This makes refined petroleum products the largest category of goods the UK purchased from Nigeria. Meanwhile, Britain continued to export refined petroleum products to Nigeria, with a total value of £772.3m, representing 51.5 per cent of total British merchandise exports to the country.
Despite the growth in Nigeria's refined petroleum product exports, the country's trade surplus with the UK in this sector is significant. Nigeria recorded a refined petroleum trade surplus of approximately £245m with Britain, based on the reported export and import values. This represents a substantial change in the country's trade dynamics, as it historically exported crude oil while spending substantial foreign exchange importing refined petroleum products.
The growth of Nigeria's refined petroleum product exports is expected to continue, driven by the Dangote Refinery's increasing participation in international petroleum markets. The refinery's use of AI technology is also expected to yield significant benefits, with a target of $60m in annual benefits. As Nigeria's domestic refining capacity continues to expand, the country's trade relationship with the UK and other countries is likely to evolve further.
The UK's increasing reliance on Nigerian refined petroleum products highlights the changing dynamics of global energy trade. As countries seek to diversify their energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint, Nigeria's role as a supplier of refined petroleum products is likely to become increasingly important. With the Dangote Refinery at the forefront of this growth, Nigeria is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends in the global energy market.
Key points
- Nigeria's refined petroleum product exports to the UK have increased significantly, driven by the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
- The country's trade surplus with the UK in refined petroleum products is approximately £245m.
- Nigeria's seaborne petroleum product exports have increased sevenfold since 2023, driven by the growth of the Dangote Refinery.
