Gulf Crisis: Nigeria Offers to Support Global Oil Supply as Tensions Disrupt Market

Gulf Crisis: Nigeria Offers to Support Global Oil Supply as Tensions Disrupt Market

The Federal Government has signalled Nigeria’s readiness to play a stabilising role in the global oil market as rising tensions in the Gulf region continue to disrupt energy supply chains.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in an interview with the BBC’s Victoria Uwonkunda, noting that Nigeria is prepared to contribute to easing pressure on global energy supply.

“Nigeria is ever ready to contribute to energy security around the world. Whatever Nigeria can do to ease tension, it will do. The world needs oil, and Nigeria is there,” Idris said.

His remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where conflict has raised fresh concerns over oil production and transportation, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz; a critical route for a significant share of the world’s crude exports.

As a result, several energy-dependent countries are exploring alternative supply sources. In Africa, nations such as Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are increasingly turning to the Dangote Refinery to meet their fuel needs.

Owned by Aliko Dangote, the refinery has emerged as a key alternative supplier as access to Middle Eastern refined products tightens.

With an installed capacity of about 650,000 barrels per day, the facility is gradually positioning Nigeria as a major hub for fuel distribution on the continent, although analysts say local demand still consumes a large portion of its output.

Beyond global energy concerns, the minister also addressed domestic security issues, including the recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, which have renewed fears over safety in parts of the country.

“I don’t think they failed. I think that more work needs to be done. Nigerian security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that this does not happen again,” he said.

Idris added that despite such incidents, the North-East has seen improvements in security over time due to sustained military efforts and government interventions.

On the economic front, he said reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to yield results, boosting Nigeria’s global image and attracting international partnerships.

Speaking on the President’s recent engagements during the state visit to the United Kingdom, he said; “This visit underscores the historical relationship, the cultural ties, and the economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. We hope that we will deepen it further in the interest of both countries.”

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening security at home while positioning Nigeria as a dependable partner in the global energy market as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape supply dynamics.