Nigeria Emerges As Top African Crude Oil Exporter To US Market

Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria, has emerged as the leading African exporter of crude oil to the United States between January and August 2025, accounting for more than half of the continent’s total crude exports to the American market, according to data from the US Mission in Nigeria.

The West African nation recently reported that its daily crude oil output has risen to between 1.7 million and 1.83 million barrels, while the number of active drilling rigs increased from 31 in January to 50 in July 2025.

According to a report by PUNCH on Tuesday, citing the US Mission in Nigeria, the country exported 33.23 million barrels of crude oil to the United States during the eight-month period, with shipments valued at approximately $2.57 billion.

In a post on its official X handle, the US Mission in Nigeria said: “Did you know that Nigeria was the leading African exporter of crude oil to the United States between January and August 2025, shipping 33.23 million barrels worth $2.57 billion? That’s more than half of all African crude oil exports to the United States during that period.”

The Mission added that the trade volume underscores the strength of economic relations between Nigeria and the United States, noting that the partnership delivers mutual benefits.

“Our strong trade ties create jobs and drive prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic,” the statement said.

The development comes amid expanding trade relations between the two countries across multiple sectors.