Nigeria exports 55.39 million barrels of crude oil in early 2026 as Dangote refinery faces supply shortages
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Nigeria exported 55.39 million barrels of crude oil in January and February 2026, with 31.31 million barrels shipped in January and 24.08 million barrels in February. This occurred while the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Petroleum Refinery struggled with inadequate domestic feedstock supply, forcing it to import crude. Total crude production for the two months was 81.94 million barrels, leaving 26.55 million barrels for local refineries. The Dangote refinery, which requires approximately 19.77 million barrels monthly to operate at full capacity, received significantly lower volumes. Between October 2025 and mid-March 2026, the refinery experienced a crude oil supply shortfall of about 79.53 million barrels, receiving only 29.21 million barrels compared to an estimated 108.74 million barrels required. The refinery stated that local crude producers have not supplied crude as required under the Petroleum Industry Act, compelling it to source a substantial portion through international traders at an additional premium. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited confirmed it is leveraging its global crude trading network to source third-party crude for the refinery at competitive international market rates. Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, reported that the refinery received 10 crude oil cargoes in March, an increase from about five monthly since late 2024, but still below its monthly requirement. The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria called for increas
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The Nigerian community in Poland has welcomed Nigeria's Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Poland, Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, at a reception held in Warsaw. The community pledged full support for her mission and expressed optimism that her tenure will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Nigeria and Poland. Adekunle Ayoola, Chairman of the APC Support Group and leader of the City Boy Movement in Poland, congratulated Ohakim, noting her public service record and leadership. He stated that the community is confident she will enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, and cultural exchanges, and foster unity among Nigerians in Poland. Dr. Emanuel Kalejaiye, Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Community in Poland, highlighted the strong bond between the embassy and the Nigerian community, which has existed for over four decades. He affirmed the diaspora's commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and partnership for Nigeria's development and the welfare of Nigerians in Poland, also thanking the Polish government for its hospitality. Ohakim, a lawyer, thanked the community for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, calling for their support and cooperation. The event was attended by former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, leaders of Nigerian organizations in Poland, and members of the Nigerian diaspora community.
BreakingAt least 50 Malian soldiers were killed and 24 taken prisoner in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists on Saturday as they departed the northern town of Anefis. The attack targeted an army convoy and was claimed by the Tuareg separatist FLA and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims JNIM. A local elected official, close to the ruling junta, described it as the deadliest attack on the Malian army in years. An army source indicated that some soldiers were executed and an investigation is underway into tactical failures. Russian paramilitaries, who had been supporting the army, had already reached their destination in Gao and did not suffer any casualties. The Malian army acknowledged the ambush by "terrorist armed groups" but did not provide casualty figures at the time. Mali has been under military rule since coups in 2020 and 2021, with the junta facing challenges in restoring security amidst ongoing unrest.
BreakingKuwait and Bahrain's militaries reported on Sunday that they were responding to Iranian aerial attacks, with air raid sirens sounding in both Gulf countries. Kuwait's army stated its air defenses were confronting missile and drone attacks following what it described as "sinful Iranian aggression." In Bahrain, the military announced its air defenses "confronted, intercepted, and destroyed a number of treacherous Iranian aerial attacks," with blasts heard in the north and a warning siren in the capital, Manama. Iran's army claimed responsibility for targeting two US bases in Kuwait with drones in response to American attacks on Iranian territory. State media reported Iran carried out "large-scale attacks with kamikaze drones against the US military's ammunition depot at Camp Udairi and the Patriot radar system and air surveillance radar at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait." Both Kuwait and Bahrain, hosts to US military installations, have experienced Iranian attacks on their Gulf neighbors since hostilities resumed this month. Kuwait previously reported that Iran struck a power and water plant and an oil facility. Central Command CENTCOM stated that two service members were killed on Friday while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks, with another service member still missing.