US–Iran Crisis Drives ₦5.13tn Oil Windfall for Nigeria

US–Iran Crisis Drives ₦5.13tn Oil Windfall for Nigeria

Nigeria has recorded an estimated ₦5.13 trillion surge in oil revenue within two months, driven by a sharp rise in global crude prices following escalating tensions linked to the United States–Iran geopolitical crisis. The development significantly exceeded projections in the Federal Government’s 2026 budget and temporarily strengthened fiscal inflows.

The crisis, which began with crude trading below $70 per barrel, triggered a sustained rally that pushed prices above $120 at some point, with Brent crude hovering around $110 per barrel and Nigeria’s premium grade, Bonny Light trading as high as $134 per barrel in recent sessions.

Nigeria’s 2026 budget was based on conservative oil assumptions, including a production target of 1.8 million barrels per day, a benchmark price of $64.85 per barrel, and an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar. At these assumptions, projected daily oil revenue stood at about $116.73 million (₦163.42 billion). However, these projections were quickly overtaken as global market conditions shifted sharply.

In March, crude production averaged 1.55 million barrels per day, below the target by about 250,000 barrels. Despite the shortfall, higher prices lifted earnings significantly. With an average crude price of $95.03 per barrel and an exchange rate of ₦1,370 to the dollar, daily revenue rose to about ₦201.80 billion, creating a daily surplus of ₦38.38 billion and a total windfall of approximately ₦1.19 trillion for the month.

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Combined, March and April generated a total excess oil revenue of ₦5.13 trillion, with March contributing ₦1.19 trillion and April accounting for ₦3.94 trillion. Analysts note that this surge was driven mainly by higher global crude prices rather than increased production, underscoring Nigeria’s continued exposure to external oil market shocks.

Simulations show that without the price surge, earnings would have been significantly lower. At benchmark pricing, March revenue would have fallen to about ₦4.27 trillion equivalent, while April revenue would have stood at about ₦4.52 trillion equivalent, highlighting the scale of the windfall created by global price volatility.

Despite the increase in government revenue, Nigerians are experiencing rising fuel costs. Dangote Refinery recently adjusted gantry prices to about ₦1,275 per litre, while retail fuel prices have climbed to between ₦1,350 and ₦1,400 per litre across several locations. This has further increased transport and food inflation nationwide.

Nigeria’s crude pricing structure has also adjusted in response to global market movements, with key crude grades such as Bonny Light and Forcados recording notable price increases for May-loading cargoes. These adjustments reflect stronger international demand and tighter supply conditions.

Energy stakeholders have expressed concern that the revenue windfall is not translating into relief for citizens. Some industry operators warn that petrol prices could rise above ₦1,500 per litre if geopolitical tensions persist, while economists describe the situation as a “two-edged sword” that boosts government earnings but worsens cost-of-living pressures.

Calls have intensified for targeted government intervention, including direct support for vulnerable households, improved social welfare data systems, and measures to cushion the impact of rising transport and food costs. However, experts note that the absence of reliable national data continues to limit effective intervention.

Local refiners have also called for reforms in crude pricing for domestic supply, arguing that benchmarking local crude strictly to international prices inflates costs and undermines local refining operations. Economists have further suggested the adoption of a stable domestic pricing framework to reduce volatility in fuel prices.

Overall, while the ₦5.13 trillion oil windfall provides short-term fiscal relief, analysts warn it reinforces Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on volatile global oil markets. The situation highlights a recurring pattern in which external geopolitical tensions boost revenue while simultaneously increasing domestic economic pressure.

US–Iran Crisis Drives ₦5.13tn Oil Windfall for Nigeria