Nigeria’s state-owned oil company has launched another round of tenders to sell cargoes of its newest crude oil grade, Cawthorne, alongside additional Bonny Light exports, as the country continues efforts to expand crude production and diversify its export portfolio.
According to Reuters, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has invited bids for September cargoes of Cawthorne and Bonny Light crude, reinforcing its strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global oil market.
The latest sales come as Nigeria seeks to increase crude production following years of underinvestment, oil theft and operational disruptions that affected output across the sector.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has been leading efforts to introduce new crude grades and expand the country’s export offerings as part of its broader production growth strategy.
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According to Reuters, NNPC began exporting Cawthorne crude in March, making it one of Nigeria’s newest export grades alongside Nembe and Utapate.
Reuters reported that the latest tender includes a 950,000-barrel cargo of Cawthorne scheduled to load between September 21 and 22.
The company is also offering a 950,000-barrel cargo of Bonny Light crude for loading between September 30 and October 1.
Both cargoes are being sold on a free-on-board basis, with bids due by August 4, according to the tender documents seen by Reuters.
Reuters further reported that Bonny Light production is expected to average about 364,000 barrels per day across 12 cargoes under a preliminary loading programme.
Market participants also told Reuters that sellers of West African crude have recently begun raising offer prices amid supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, although overall trading activity remains relatively subdued as buyers monitor developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
What This Means For Africa
Nigeria’s continued introduction of new crude oil grades reflects broader efforts by Africa’s largest oil producer to strengthen export earnings and improve resilience within its petroleum sector.
Expanding the range of exportable crude streams provides greater flexibility for international buyers while supporting efforts to attract new customers across global energy markets.
According to Reuters, the strategy also forms part of Nigeria’s response to years of production challenges caused by underinvestment, crude oil theft and operational disruptions.
For Africa’s energy sector, stronger Nigerian production could contribute to greater regional export competitiveness at a time when global energy markets remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments.
With supply uncertainties continuing in parts of the Middle East, stable production from African oil exporters could become increasingly important in meeting international demand while supporting government revenues and economic growth across the continent.
Nigeria’s ongoing expansion of its crude export programme highlights the country’s determination to strengthen production, diversify its oil offerings and reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading energy exporters amid an evolving global energy market.
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Image Credit: NNPC Limited
