Nigeria’s Dangote Petroleum Refinery has recorded a major milestone by importing crude oil from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, signaling a strategic shift in its crude sourcing as the facility continues to expand operations.
The landmark import involved two cargoes of UAE crude delivered this month, marking the refinery’s first purchase from a Middle Eastern supplier. The development reflects the company’s efforts to diversify its feedstock sources while increasing refining capacity.
According to a report by S&P Global Commodity Insights, the Dangote Refinery sourced approximately 70 percent of its crude oil from Nigeria in 2025, while about 24 percent came from the United States. The remaining volumes were supplied from other international markets.
The latest move indicates that the refinery is broadening its supply network to ensure a steady flow of crude as production continues to rise.
The diversification comes at a time when the Dangote Refinery is operating at record levels.
Earlier this month, the facility announced that it had reached a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, bringing it closer to its full operational target.
The company also unveiled plans to double its refining capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within the next 30 months. If achieved, the expansion would position the refinery among the largest single train refining facilities in the world.
The increased production is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products and expand fuel exports across Africa and beyond.
Although the refinery has relied heavily on domestic crude since commencing operations, supply challenges have encouraged it to seek alternative sources.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) previously committed to supplying between 13 and 15 cargoes of Nigerian crude to the refinery each month under a domestic supply arrangement designed to support local refining.
However, constraints in crude availability have made it necessary for the refinery to look beyond Nigeria’s borders to maintain stable production.
Industry analysts believe sourcing crude from the UAE and other producing nations will provide greater flexibility, reduce supply risks and help sustain the refinery’s ambitious expansion plans.
The first-ever import of UAE crude therefore represents more than just a new supply agreement, it highlights Dangote Refinery’s evolving strategy to secure reliable feedstock from multiple global sources as it positions itself as a leading player in Africa’s downstream petroleum industry.
