The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says Nigeria has supplied 12.6 million barrels of crude oil to domestic refineries so far in 2025, with the Dangote Refinery receiving the largest share of the allocations.
The revelation was made by the Authority Chief Executive (ACE), Farouk Ahmed, during a media briefing in Abuja, where he said the move signals the government’s renewed commitment to expanding local refining capacity and reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
“We have so far delivered over 12.6 million barrels of crude to domestic refineries this year, and the Dangote Refinery remains the biggest off-taker,” Ahmed said. “Our objective is to ensure consistent feedstock to local processors so that Nigeria can finally achieve stability in the supply of petroleum products.”
Ahmed explained that close collaboration between the NMDPRA and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has helped streamline crude delivery logistics, enabling refineries to plan production more efficiently.
He added that the sustained crude allocation to the 650,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery is expected to support increased local production of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel in the coming months.
On the suspension of the proposed 15 percent ad-valorem tariff on imported petroleum products, Ahmed said the measure was taken to prevent market distortions.
“We suspended the implementation because we do not want any sudden price shock in the market. Stability remains a priority,” he stated.
However, the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) disagreed with the move. The Chamber’s President, Engr. Mike Akingbade, said the suspension could discourage investors in domestic refining who rely on tariff protection to remain competitive.
“Halting the tariff sends the wrong signal. Investors need assurance that policies will support local production rather than favour importation,” Akingbade said.
Industry analysts say the continued supply of crude to Dangote and other modular refineries could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s downstream sector, but warn that regulatory consistency, pricing frameworks and security around crude supply lines must be addressed for the reforms to yield lasting impact.
