Crude oil imports through Lagos ports declined by 38.6 per cent in September 2026, with 1,470,109 metric tonnes recorded so far this month, compared with 2,392,354 metric tonnes in August, according to the latest Lagos import chart.
The September figure was reported on Tuesday and covers the period available at the time of the report. With eight days remaining in the month, the final import volume could change.
Key Highlights
- Crude oil imports through Lagos ports fell 38.6 per cent in September.
- Lagos ports recorded 1.47 million metric tonnes of crude oil imports so far in September.
- August crude oil imports stood at 2.39 million metric tonnes.
- Premium Motor Spirit, or petrol, accounted for 526,500 metric tonnes of imports during the period.
- Aviation Turbine Fuel, known as Jet A1, recorded 167,000 metric tonnes.
- Automotive Gas Oil, or diesel, accounted for 82,500 metric tonnes.
- Bulk wheat imports stood at 173,483 metric tonnes.
- The September figures do not include crude oil imports through the Lekki Deep Sea Port and therefore do not represent Nigeria’s total crude oil imports.
Lagos Crude Oil Imports Decline
According to the latest shipping data, crude oil imports handled through Lagos ports fell from 2,392,354 metric tonnes in August to 1,470,109 metric tonnes in September.
The difference represents a decline of about 922,245 metric tonnes, equivalent to 38.6 per cent.
However, the September figure is not yet a full-month total. The data was reported with eight days still remaining in September, meaning additional cargoes could raise the figure before the month ends.
The decline also follows a strong August performance, when crude oil was reported as the leading commodity on the Lagos ports import chart, with 2.39 million metric tonnes recorded during the month.
Petrol Leads Petroleum Product Imports
The latest Shipping Position obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showed that petroleum products and other commodities accounted for significant import volumes during the period.
Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, recorded the highest volume among the petroleum products listed, with 526,500 metric tonnes imported.
Aviation Turbine Fuel, also known as 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 under review.
The figures indicate continued movement of petroleum products and major commodities through Lagos, which remains a major gateway for Nigeria’s international trade.
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Lekki Crude Imports Not Included
The September crude oil figure does not cover crude oil imports through the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
This means the 1,470,109 metric tonnes reported for September should not be interpreted as the total volume of crude oil imported into Nigeria during the month.
Lagos has three major port facilities involved in the movement of imported commodities, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port. Recent Nigerian Ports Authority shipping positions have continued to record vessels carrying crude oil, petrol, aviation fuel, diesel and other commodities across the Lagos port complex.
Consequently, a complete assessment of Nigeria’s crude oil import volumes for September would require data covering all relevant ports and the full month.
Lagos Ports Remain Key Trade Gateway
The latest development comes amid continued high levels of activity across Nigeria’s ports.
Recent data from the Nigerian Ports Authority showed significant growth in overall port cargo traffic. The Federal Ministry of Information reported that Nigerian seaports handled 35.7 million metric tonnes of cargo in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 12.3 per cent increase from the 31.8 million tonnes recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Lagos remains particularly important to Nigeria’s trade flows. Separate data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Lagos ports accounted for about 84.6 per cent of Nigeria’s total merchandise trade in the second quarter of 2026.
The September crude oil import figures will therefore be closely watched as additional cargoes are recorded before the end of the month. Follow us on X for more updates on Nigeria’s trade and shipping data.
