Nigeria's exports have grown by more than 25 per cent over the past two years, according to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which credits government reforms and new export facilities.

What was said

NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho made the disclosure at the annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours, according to reports on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. He said the growth was driven by higher exports of agricultural products such as cocoa and cashew nuts, as well as manufactured goods. He also said revenue generated by Nigerian ports had increased four times, reflecting higher cargo volumes and improved efficiency.

New facilities

Dantsoho said four Export Processing Terminals would reduce delays for exporters, and that the government plans a $1 billion upgrade of Apapa port in Lagos, along with new digital systems to make Nigerian ports more competitive.

Background

Nigeria has long depended on crude oil for most of its export earnings, and successive governments have tried to grow non-oil exports. The weaker naira since 2023 has made Nigerian goods cheaper abroad, which has helped some exporters, though it has also raised the cost of imported inputs. Exporters have complained in the past about congestion, delays and high costs at the ports, especially in Lagos.

Why it matters

Higher exports bring in more foreign currency, which can support the naira. The currency gained slightly on Tuesday after losing ground in October.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a suspected illegal oil refinery in Ogere, Ogun State, allegedly linked to Chinese nationals.

The discovery has raised fresh concerns about illegal petroleum processing in Nigeria, especially the possibility that some operations are running quietly in places far from the country's major oil-producing areas.

The raid

According to reports, EFCC operatives raided the facility on Saturday, 31 October 2026, but nobody was found on the premises when they arrived.

During the operation, investigators discovered underground storage tanks holding substances suspected to be diesel, suggesting the site may have been used for petroleum processing and storage.

Sludge oil from Warri and Port Harcourt

Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that sludge oil was transported from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State to the Ogun State facility, where it was allegedly processed into petroleum products.

That detail raises an important question: how was petroleum waste moved across several states to a facility allegedly operating outside the law without attracting the attention of the relevant authorities?

Questions for investigators

Given the size and nature of such an operation, investigators will also need to establish how long the facility had been running, who financed it and whether other individuals or companies were involved.

The EFCC has reportedly taken control of the premises while investigations continue to identify those responsible, including the alleged owners and operators.

Although Chinese nationals have been linked to the facility, the identities of those involved have not been publicly established, and the allegations remain under investigation.

A wider problem

For many Nigerians, the discovery points to a familiar and troubling issue. While the country continues to battle crude oil theft, illegal refining and lost revenue in the petroleum sector, questions remain about how such operations are set up and kept running.

The authorities are now expected to determine the full extent of what went on at the Ogere facility and whether any laws were broken.

The big question

Who owns this refinery, how long has it been operating, and who has been supplying the materials used there?

As the EFCC investigation continues, Nigerians will be watching to see whether those behind the suspected operation are identified and brought before the law.

Nigeria's currency has come under fresh pressure as businesses scramble for dollars ahead of the festive season, according to market data reported on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.

The numbers

The naira closed October at ₦1,346.91 per dollar on the official market, compared with ₦1,329.50 at the end of September, a fall of about 1.31 per cent. It was the first monthly decline after three consecutive months of gains. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reportedly injected about $1.98 billion into the market during the month, but demand was fully met in only two of its five interventions.

Why it is happening

Importers, manufacturers and traders typically need more foreign currency towards the end of the year to bring in goods for Christmas and New Year sales. Analysts say this seasonal demand, combined with limited dollar inflows, is putting pressure on the naira.

What it means

A weaker naira raises the cost of imported goods and raw materials, which can push up prices for consumers. The CBN says stronger dollar inflows from oil exports, foreign investment and remittances are key to keeping the currency stable.

Background

The naira has been more stable in recent months after sharp falls in 2023 and 2024 following the unification of exchange rates. Foreign reserves have risen to their highest level in years, and inflation has fallen. The government points to these gains as evidence that its reforms are working, while critics say ordinary Nigerians are still struggling with high prices.

Nigerians are facing higher cooking gas costs after depot prices at major suppliers in Lagos rose sharply in just three days, according to a price review published on Monday, 2 November 2026.

The new prices

All five monitored Lagos depots reportedly raised their prices between 30 October and 2 November, with increases of ₦140 to ₦200 per kilogram. Navgas recorded the steepest rise, from ₦1,250 to ₦1,450 per kg, an increase of 16 per cent. 11Plc and Nipco both moved from ₦1,225 to ₦1,390 per kg, while Techno Oil and Rain Oil went from ₦1,200 to ₦1,370 per kg. Dangote's depot price was the lowest among those monitored, at ₦1,050 per kg.

What it means for households

Depot prices feed directly into what retailers charge for refilling cylinders, so consumers are likely to pay more in the coming days. A 12.5kg cylinder, the size used by many families, could cost roughly ₦2,000 more to refill at these depot rates. Clean cooking advocates warned that rising gas costs are pushing some households back to firewood and charcoal, which are cheaper but cause indoor air pollution and deforestation.

Background

Cooking gas prices in Nigeria have been volatile over the past two years, affected by exchange rates, supply problems and international prices. The government has encouraged wider use of liquefied petroleum gas as a cleaner alternative to kerosene and firewood. The Dangote refinery has also become a major supplier, and its prices have often been lower than those of other depots.

What happens next

Marketers say prices will depend on supply and global market conditions in the coming weeks.