America’s crude oil exports to Nigeria and other African nations have continued to shrink, sliding for the fifth straight month to 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in July 2025 — the lowest since early 2022.

OPEC, in its August market report, noted that the decline came mainly from reduced shipments to Europe and Africa, with Nigeria seeing a notable drop.

Part of the shift is linked to stronger local refining capacity. The 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery and other domestic projects have cut back demand for foreign crude, including imports from the US.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s oil production has been climbing. According to OPEC, the country pumped 1.559 million bpd in July, an 11% jump compared with the same month in 2024, making it Nigeria’s highest output this year.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported even higher figures, saying production briefly passed 1.8 million bpd last month, with average levels near 1.78 million bpd.

NUPRC chief Gbenga Komolafe credited the progress to the “Project 1 MMBOPD Incremental” initiative and a cooperative approach with industry players. He added that efficiency measures and better coordination of maintenance schedules are helping Nigeria work towards meeting the presidential target for higher oil production.

Analysts say the combination of stronger local output and reduced imports is driving the steady decline in US oil exports to the continent.