Economy
OPEC Says Dangote Refinery’s Diesel And Jet Fuel Supplies To Disrupt Europe’s Oil & Gas Industry

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, has said supplies from Nigeria-based world’s largest single-train Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will put pressure on the performance of Europe’s oil industry, especially the Northwest Europe (NWE) Gasoil.
OPEC in its newly released monthly Oil Market Report for June 2024 listed Dangote Refinery among the top Diesel and jet Fuel suppliers that will disrupt Europe’s oil & gas Industry, a development experts forecasted will positively impact the Nigerian economy.
It would be recalled that Standard & Poor Global quoting trading and the ship tracking sources had earlier predicted that Nigeria’s $20 billion Dangote refinery would shake up international crude flows when it reaches full capacity, having already made an impact since coming online in January, trading sources and ship tracking data show.
The OPEC report revealed that “Upside potential for higher production levels from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, coupled with strong flows from the Middle East and new supplies from the Mexican Olmeca refinery, will likely exert pressure on NWE gasoil performance in the mid-term.”
It stated further “Europe is one of the world’s largest purchasers of refined petroleum products and relied on imports from Asia and the US after the European Union banned the use of Russian diesel in the bloc.
However, the 650,000bpd capacity refinery which is owned by the Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is eyeing the wider European market after International Oil Companies stopped supplying its crude oil.
Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin announced the company had earlier exported its first jet fuel cargo to Europe as it rapidly scales production.
The refinery is said to have exported 90 percent of its 3.5 billion litres of jet fuel and diesel to Europe over alleged lack of support from the Nigerian government.
“It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 percent of our production, have been exported,” Edwin said
BP is currently transporting its first jet fuel cargo to Rotterdam from Dangote, after being awarded part of a 120,000 metric tonnes tender offered for the end of May, according to S&P Global.
OPEC stated that, “In June, the jet/kerosene crack spread in Rotterdam against Brent showed a slight decline, influenced by supply-side dynamics. Despite signs of improving air travel activities, subdued jet fuel demand from the aviation sector weighed on the product market
“Going forward, European jet/kerosene demand is expected to see upward pressure as consumption levels from the aviation sector continue to pick up in the coming months.”
S&P had noted that Dangote Refinery in its first six months, scaled to 400,000 b/d and delivered diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and fuel oil to both domestic and export markets, with Gasoline, Nigeria’s primary fuel type, being expected to be produced from mid-August
Notwithstanding, the refinery has already affected crude flows, with dozens of Nigerian cargoes remaining in-country and US WTI Midland, a comparable light, sweet grade, being imported
The mega-refinery could therefore tighten the light, sweet crude market. “Its diet is WTI and the lighter Nigerian [crudes] so if you were chasing those barrels you’d probably feel it quite keenly,” a West African crude trader told Commodity Insights. “Once they get to 650,000 b/d without any WTI Midland, ‘severely disrupted’ [will be] the headline.”
WTI Midland crude initially emerged as the favored feedstock to supplement Nigerian supply, with the refinery signing long-term supply contracts for the US grade and noting its competitive pricing. Platyts, part of Commodity Insights, last assessed WTI Midland into Rotterdam at $82.36/b on July 31, while Nigeria’s Bonny Light was assessed at $82.80/b on the same day.
Crude flows in and out of the Dangote refinery have been felt in other markets, especially in Europe, the largest consumer of light, sweet Nigerian crude. The US grade has accounted for 30% of crude delivered to Dangote, through 18 cargoes
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the facility would broaden its feedstock sources with Libyan, Angolan, and Brazilian crude.
“The refinery was built to use Nigerian crude and add value to it within Nigeria. Why should we deviate from that focus?” said Dangote, adding that the crude supply issues were “getting resolved”, but that the refinery remained open to all opportunities “to supplement it”.
“Dangote refinery is designed to process a range of light and medium grades of crude oil, including Nigerian grades,” said Rasool Barouni, Associate Director and head of Refining at S&P Global Commodity Insights. “Other similar grades including other WAF grades could be an option.”
Nigeria is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producer, pumping 1.5 million b/d in June, according to the Platts OPEC Survey from S&P Global Commodity Insights. Until this year, all of its oil was exported due to the lack of refining capacity, with gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel imported for domestic use.
Economy
Naira Gains Slightly Against Dollar On May 8, 2025

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the naira is exchanging for ₦1,627 to 1 US dollar at the parallel market (black market) in Nigeria.
This reflects the current rate at which individuals are trading dollars for naira outside of official financial institutions.
This means that for every one dollar, you can get the equivalent in naira of ₦1,627 on May 8, 2025, showing a very slight improvement compared to the previous day, indicating a momentary easing of pressure on the naira against the dollar.
Thursday, May 8, 2025, records a marginal upward movement in the exchange rate, suggesting a bit of stability in the local currency for those transacting in foreign exchange.
The black market rate represents the value at which individuals can trade their dollars for naira outside official exchange channels, where the currency’s value is largely driven by supply and demand dynamics rather than government regulation.
Note that the Black Market Exchange rate is typically higher than the official exchange rate because it is not regulated by the government and reflects a more immediate, fluctuating market response.
Today’s exchange rate has slightly improved compared to yesterday, Wednesday, May 7, when the naira exchanged at ₦1,628 per dollar. (This means the naira gained a bit of value in the past 24 hours, possibly due to a brief easing in dollar demand or better forex inflow.)
The value of a country’s currency is determined by aggregate supply and demand, influenced by factors such as national interest rates, inflation, capital flow, and the overall money supply.
These forces, both internal and external, affect the strength of a nation’s currency and contribute to exchange rate fluctuations. The most common method to assess a currency’s value is through exchange rates. The two main exchange rate systems are the fixed rate and the floating rate systems, with the parallel market rate offering a real-time reflection of currency trends.
Investors and market participants closely monitor parallel market rates for a more immediate and practical reflection of currency trends, often making it a reliable indicator of short-term shifts in economic conditions.
Economy
SEE Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today – 7th May 2025

The dollar to naira rate keeps making headlines, and if you’re here, chances are you’re looking for today’s black market exchange rate – Wednesday, 7th May 2025. Whether you need to exchange dollars for business, personal use, or just want to stay updated, this post gives you the most accurate and up-to-date info on the dollar to naira rate in the parallel (Aboki) market.
We understand how quickly things can change in Nigeria’s forex market, so we’re committed to bringing you real-time figures and what’s influencing them.
What is the dollar-to-naira exchange rate on the black market, like the Aboki Fx?
The exchange rate for the US dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN) in the parallel market, also known as black market, as of 7th May 2025, is N1,610 for 1 USD.
This rate is often sourced from the latest data provided by Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.
How much is a Dollar to Naira today in the Black Market?
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate at the Black Market, especially the Aboki Fx?
Because of the dynamics of supply and demand in the informal foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official rates often differ significantly from those in the black market.
As of today, 7th May 2025, the black market buying rate for the US dollar is N1,600 while the selling rate is N1,610.
These rates change from time to time during the day, influenced by various factors including economic conditions, market speculation, and government policies.
The dollar-to-naira exchange rate in the black market has continued to fluctuate, reflecting the economic challenges and forex shortages in Nigeria.
In contrast to the black market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains an official exchange rate. Today, the CBN rate for one dollar is N1,606.64.
The disparity between the official and black market rates highlights the pressure on the naira and the challenges in the country’s forex market.
Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Foreign Currency Buying rate Selling rate
DOLLAR ($USD) N1,600 N1,610
POUNDS STERLING (GBP) N2,120 N2,140
EURO (EUR) N1,780 1,800
CBN Exchange Rate Today
Foreign Currency Buying rate Selling rate
DOLLAR ($USD) N1,605.64 N1,606.64
POUNDS STERLING (GBP) N2,150.27 N2,151.61
EURO (EUR)
N1,823.68
N1,824.82
YUAN (CNY)
N222.49
N222.63
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR)
N428.07
N428.34
CRYPTOCURRENCY
At the time of posting
BITCOIN
1 BTC: NGN153M
1 NGN = 0.000000078BTC
ETHEREUM
1 ETH: NGN 2.9M
1 NGN: 0.00000034ETH
Variations in Forex Rates
Forex rates in Nigeria vary across different markets and platforms. The black market, official CBN rates, and rates offered by commercial banks and international money transfer operators all differ.
This discrepancy creates arbitrage opportunities and poses challenges for businesses and individuals needing foreign currency for legitimate transactions.
50 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
For people looking to exchange 50 US dollars today, the rate in the black market will be approximately N80,000 if obtained at the buying rate of N1,600 per dollar.
For those buying from retailers, it would cost N80,500 at the selling rate of N1,610 per dollar.
100 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
Exchanging 100 US dollars today in the black market will get you N160,000 if sold at the current buying rate.
For those purchasing dollars, it will cost them N161,000. This rate of increase no doubt affects businesses, travelers, and others who need dollars and other foreign currencies for overseas transactions.
500 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
A larger transaction of 500 US dollars will result in N800,000 at the buying rate and N805,000 at the selling rate in the black market today.
The higher volumes reflect the ongoing need for dollars in the business community.
1,000 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
For those who need up to 1000 US dollars, the black market will offer N1,600,000 at the buying rate and N1,610,000 at the selling rate.
Economy
75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below poverty line — World Bank

The World Bank has disclosed that a staggering 75.5 per cent of rural Nigerians are now living below the poverty line, reflecting deepening hardship in the country’s hinterlands.
This was revealed in the Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief for Nigeria, which paints a grim picture of worsening economic hardship, widening inequality, and persistent underdevelopment across much of the nation.
While poverty is widespread among urban populations, the report emphasised that the situation is significantly worse in rural areas, where economic stagnation, high inflation, and insecurity have exacerbated living conditions.
“Based on the most recent official household survey data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, 30.9 per cent of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per person per day in 2018/19 before the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report stated.
The report also highlighted Nigeria’s enduring regional disparities. “Nigeria remains spatially unequal. The poverty rate in northern geopolitical zones was 46.5 per cent in 2018/19, compared with 13.5 per cent for southern ones. Inequality measured by the Gini index was estimated at 35.1 in 2018/19.
“Nigeria’s Prosperity Gap — the average factor by which individuals’ incomes must be multiplied to attain a prosperity standard of $25 per day for all — is estimated at 10.2, higher than most peers.”
Despite successive policy interventions, these figures underscore a persistent economic divide across the country.
The report’s demographic analysis found that children aged 0 to 14 years had a poverty rate of 72.5 per cent, reflecting the scale of deprivation among the youngest segment of the population.
Gender disparities were also observed, with 63.9 per cent of females and 63.1 per cent of males classified as poor under the $3.65 per day lower-middle-income threshold.
Education emerged as a significant determinant of poverty, with Nigerians lacking formal education experiencing a poverty rate of 79.5 per cent. This contrasts with 61.9 per cent for those with primary education and 50.0 per cent for secondary school graduates. Only 25.4 per cent of those with tertiary education were considered poor.
The report also drew attention to multidimensional poverty indicators, which further reflect widespread deprivation.
According to the World Bank, about 30.9 per cent of Nigerians live on less than $2.15 daily, 32.6 per cent lack access to limited-standard drinking water, 45.1 per cent do not have limited-standard sanitation, and 39.4 per cent have no electricity.
Education access remains a challenge, with 17.6 per cent of adults yet to complete primary education, and 9.0 per cent of households reporting at least one school-aged child not enrolled in school.
The report noted that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to reduce extreme poverty had largely stalled.
“Before COVID-19, extreme poverty reduction had almost stagnated, dropping by only half a percentage point annually since 2010. Living standards of the urban poor are hardly improving, and jobs that would allow households to escape poverty are lacking,” the report read.
Although the World Bank acknowledged recent economic reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook, it warned that persistently high inflation continues to undermine household purchasing power, particularly in urban areas where incomes have not kept pace with rising costs.
In light of the worsening situation, the Bank called for urgent policy action to shield vulnerable groups from inflationary shocks and to drive job creation through more productive economic activities.
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