In 2025, Nigeria's Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported crude oil valued at $3.74 billion, as reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria in its Balance of Payments report. This figure indicates a significant restructuring in Nigeria's oil trade dynamics, where the country, despite being a major crude oil producer, had to import crude for domestic refining operations. This situation has raised questions regarding the efficiency and capacity of local refining processes.

The report also highlighted that Nigeria experienced a current account surplus of $14.04 billion in 2025, a decrease from the previous year's surplus of $19.03 billion but an improvement compared to the $6.42 billion recorded in 2023. This decline in surplus was influenced by changes in oil trade flows, including the imports made by the Dangote Refinery, which indicate a complex interplay between local production and refinery needs. Furthermore, crude oil exports saw a notable drop from $36.85 billion in 2024 to $31.54 billion in 2025, reflecting a 14.41% decrease that significantly impacted the country's external balance.

Despite these challenges in crude exports, Nigeria's goods account showcased resilience, remaining in surplus at $14.51 billion in 2025. This indicates that while the country faces shifts in its crude trade dynamics, it continues to maintain a positive trade balance overall. The implications of these shifts prompt further examination of national oil policies and the future direction of Nigeria's reliance on both imports and domestic production in the refining sector.