President Donald Trump’s recent diesel agreement with Russia has sparked backlash from Ukraine and a bipartisan group of senators. Under the agreement, Russia has pledged to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets to ease rising fuel prices. As lawmakers press the administration to withdraw from the agreement, Nigeria could emerge as a potential additional diesel supplier if the Trump administration seeks other fuel sources. Nigeria remains Africa’s top crude oil producer, the largest African supplier of crude oil to the United States, and has significantly ramped up its refining capacity, becoming an important supplier of diesel to global markets.

Historically, the U.S. and Nigeria have a complex, strategic partnership based on deep economic and security cooperation with periods of diplomatic friction. While the foundation for expanding bilateral energy cooperation already exists, Nigeria’s capacity to supply additional diesel to the U.S. and international markets faces multiple challenges, such as refining constraints, rising domestic fuel demand, and declining crude oil production.