Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Crude oil imports recorded through Lagos ports have fallen by 38.6 per cent in September 2026 compared with the volume recorded in August, according to shipping data obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The data showed that 1,470,109 metric tonnes of crude oil had been recorded through the Lagos ports in September, compared with 2,392,354 metric tonnes recorded in August.
However, the September figure is not a final monthly total. The latest report was published on September 24, with eight days remaining in the month, meaning additional shipments could alter the final figure.
September figure excludes Lekki crude imports
The figures require an important qualification because the data under review does not include crude oil imports through the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
As a result, the 38.6 per cent decline should not be interpreted as a 38.6 per cent fall in Nigeria’s total crude oil imports.
The NPA shipping position cited in the report covers the relevant Lagos port data but excludes crude shipments through Lekki Deep Sea Port. The full national import picture would therefore require data covering all ports handling crude oil.
This distinction is particularly important because Lekki Deep Sea Port has handled substantial crude volumes in recent months.
August recorded more than 2.39 million tonnes
Crude oil was the leading commodity recorded across Lagos ports in August.
Available August figures showed 2,392,354 metric tonnes of crude oil, with 1,867,712 tonnes arriving at the Lekki Deep Sea Port during the first week of the month and another 524,742 tonnes scheduled for discharge at the Lagos Apapa Quays before the end of August.
The August volume placed crude oil well ahead of other commodities recorded during the period.
Bulk wheat, for example, accounted for 321,849 metric tonnes in August, according to available port data.
Other petroleum products remain significant
The latest NPA shipping position also showed substantial volumes of refined petroleum products and other commodities moving through Lagos ports during the September period.
Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, accounted for 526,500 metric tonnes, making it the largest petroleum product listed.
Aviation Turbine Fuel, or JET A1, followed with 167,000 metric tonnes, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, recorded 82,500 metric tonnes.
Bulk wheat imports stood at 173,483 metric tonnes during the period covered by the shipping position.
The figures highlight the continuing role of Lagos ports in Nigeria’s petroleum-product supply chain and broader import activity.
Why the figures matter
The movement of crude oil and petroleum products through Nigerian ports has implications for the country’s energy supply chain, maritime activity and downstream petroleum market.
Lagos remains one of Nigeria’s major commercial and maritime centres, with the Apapa port complex and Lekki Deep Sea Port handling significant cargo volumes.
Changes in the volume of crude arriving through the ports can reflect differences in refinery requirements, cargo schedules, supply arrangements and other factors. However, the available September figures alone do not establish the reason for the decline.
The partial nature of the September data also means the month-on-month comparison should be treated as provisional rather than a final assessment of Nigeria’s crude import trend.
Domestic refining and crude supply context
Nigeria has increased attention on domestic refining capacity as new and rehabilitated refineries begin to play a larger role in the country’s petroleum supply chain.
The changing relationship between crude supply, domestic refining and imports has become increasingly important as Nigeria seeks to reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
At the same time, crude oil imports can serve specific refinery requirements depending on the type of crude needed, available domestic supply and commercial arrangements.
Therefore, a reduction in crude volumes recorded at Lagos ports does not by itself establish a reduction in overall petroleum demand or indicate a broader contraction in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Port data gives only part of the picture
The latest figures also demonstrate why individual port statistics need to be distinguished from national trade data.
Lagos is a major entry point for commodities into Nigeria, but it is not the country’s only port location. In addition, the September shipping position cited in the report excludes crude oil imports through Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Consequently, the 1.47 million tonnes recorded should be regarded as the volume captured by the specific data set rather than a comprehensive measure of all crude oil entering Nigeria during September.
This distinction is especially relevant when comparing monthly figures because differences in reporting coverage, scheduled cargoes and the timing of vessel arrivals can affect the apparent volume.
What happens next
The September crude import figure could change before the end of the month as additional vessels are received and shipping data is updated.
The final assessment of crude imports through Lagos ports will therefore depend on the completed September shipping position.
A broader assessment of Nigeria’s crude import trend would also need to incorporate shipments through Lekki Deep Sea Port and other relevant ports, together with national trade and petroleum-sector data.
For now, the available NPA-related figures show that crude oil volumes recorded through the covered Lagos ports are below the August level, while petroleum products such as petrol, aviation fuel and diesel continue to account for significant import activity.
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Sources
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) — Shipping Position data cited in the September 2026 report.
- Vanguard News — Report on the 38.6 per cent decline in crude oil imports through Lagos ports.
- The Star — August 2026 report on crude oil volumes recorded across Lagos ports.
- The Premier News — August port data on crude oil imports through Lekki Deep Sea Port and Apapa Quays.
