Nigeria’s export profile to African markets is undergoing a significant shift, with refined petroleum products emerging as major contributors to intra-African trade, according to new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
An analysis of the NBS Third-Quarter Foreign Trade Statistics Report shows that exports of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) rose sharply during the period, positioning the product as Nigeria’s second-largest export commodity to Africa, behind crude oil.
The report indicates that petrol exports were valued at ₦707.05 billion, accounting for 14.42 per cent of Nigeria’s total shipments to African countries in the quarter under review.
Only crude oil generated higher export earnings, with sales valued at ₦1.94 trillion, representing 39.57 per cent of total exports to the continent.
The development signals Nigeria’s gradual transition from a crude-oil-dominated export structure to a more diversified petroleum trade, with refined products playing an increasingly prominent role.
The surge in refined fuel exports comes months after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery commenced operations. Further analysis showed that there were no recorded petrol exports in the first and second quarters of the year, with commercial activity only beginning between July and September 2025.
This timing underscores the growing impact of domestic refining capacity on Nigeria’s external trade performance.
According to the NBS report, the top five commodities exported to African countries together accounted for 86.08 per cent of Nigeria’s total shipments to the continent during the quarter.
The bureau listed the leading exports as:
- Crude petroleum oils valued at ₦1.94 trillion (39.57%)
- Motor Spirit, Ordinary (petrol) at ₦707.05 billion (14.42%)
- Gas oil at ₦692.08 billion (14.12%)
- Specialised marine vessels, including lightvessels and floating cranes, at ₦497.96 billion (10.16%)
- Kerosene-type jet fuel at ₦383.02 billion (7.81%)
Analysts say the rise in refined petroleum exports strengthens Nigeria’s position as a regional energy supplier, reduces dependence on crude-only exports, and aligns with broader efforts to capture more value along the oil and gas value chain.
The trend is also expected to support Nigeria’s balance of trade and deepen economic integration within the African market.
