When Nigerians hear “petroleum,” the first thing that comes to mind is fuel long queues at filling stations, black market sellers hustling with jerrycans, and the ever-present generator noise. But petroleum is bigger than just petrol and diesel. It is in almost everything we use daily our clothes, plastics, medicine, and even food.
From the nylon bags we get at the market to the fertilisers that help farmers grow rice and maize, petroleum-based products are part of life in Nigeria. Most of us don’t even realise how much we depend on them.
Petroleum in Everything We Use
Petroleum isn’t just about fuelling cars and powering generators it is also the backbone of many things we touch every day. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that 14% of the world’s crude oil goes into making everyday products, not just fuel. And for a country like Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer this impact is everywhere.
Step into any market in Lagos, Kano, or Aba, and you’ll see it for yourself. That black nylon bag you use to pack your garri? Petroleum. The polyester agbada or wrapper you wear to owambe? Petroleum. Even the rubber slippers carrying you through the hot sun? Petroleum.
“Most Nigerians don’t even think about how much petroleum affects their daily lives,” says Dr Chika Okoye, a chemical engineer at the University of Lagos. “It’s not just fuel it’s the little things that make life convenient.”
Plastics: Nigeria’s Market Champion
Let’s talk about plastics. In Nigeria, plastics are king. They are cheap, durable, and everywhere. From the 1.5 billion sachets of water we drink every day to the plastic chairs and buckets in our homes, petrochemicals like ethylene and propylene are the magic behind them.
Market women in Oyingbo, Ariaria, or Onitsha will tell you how nylon bags have changed their businesses no more stress of wrapping food in leaves or old newspapers. But plastic waste is becoming a problem. In Lagos alone, plastic waste blocks drainage systems, causing floods whenever rain falls.
“The issue is that plastic is cheap and strong,” says Tunde Adebayo, an environmental expert with Green Africa Solutions. “Even if people want to stop using it, alternatives like paper bags are too expensive.”
Despite efforts to cut plastic waste, petroleum-based plastics still dominate because they are 10 times cheaper than biodegradable options.
Petroleum in Fashion, Food, and Medicine
Even in fashion, petroleum is doing wonders. Without polyester, lace and Ankara would be more expensive. Today, even an average Nigerian can afford fine lace for weddings because petroleum-based synthetic fabrics make them cheaper.
“Look at Bata sandals, Crocs, or even bathroom slippers,” says Chinedu Opara, a trader at Balogun Market in Lagos. “The rubber soles? All petroleum.”
In agriculture, petroleum-based fertilisers and pesticides have doubled food production in Nigeria over the past 30 years. Farmers in Kano, Benue, and Ebonyi depend on them to grow rice, maize, and yams. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says that 50% of the world’s food comes from farms using petroleum-based fertilisers. Without them, food prices in Nigeria would be even higher.
Medicine isn’t left out. Many drugs we take like paracetamol, cough syrups, and drip bags are made from petrochemicals. Without petroleum, basic healthcare in Nigeria would be more expensive.
“You might not like oil companies,” jokes Dr Amina Yusuf, a pharmacist in Ibadan, “but when you need malaria medicine, you’ll thank them.”
Fuel Crisis and the Bigger Picture
Despite all these, petroleum’s biggest use in Nigeria is still fuel. Over 70% of Nigeria’s crude oil is refined into petrol, diesel, and kerosene. From Lagos to Kano, danfo buses, keke, and motorcycles rely on fuel. Generators, which power over 60% of homes and businesses, also depend on it.
Some people talk about electric cars replacing petrol and diesel, but even electric vehicles (EVs) need petroleum. Their tyres, plastic dashboards, and engine lubricants all come from crude oil.
“We’re moving towards clean energy,” says Adebayo, “but petroleum will still be relevant for a long time.”
Can Nigeria Move Beyond Petroleum?
With climate change getting worse, many countries are trying to reduce their dependence on petroleum. Some Nigerian startups are producing bioplastics from cassava and maize, but right now, they make up less than 1% of all plastics. It’s just a drop in the ocean.
A 2024 Nielsen survey shows that 66% of people worldwide, including Nigerians, would pay extra for eco-friendly products. But the truth is, in a country where many struggle with high food and fuel prices, sustainability is not the priority.
“Petroleum is too deep in our economy,” says Dr Okoye. “Moving away from it will require huge investments and strong government policies.”
The Final Word
Petroleum is not just about the fuel we buy or the kerosene we use for cooking. It is in almost everything our clothes, our food, our medicine, and even our everyday plastic bags.
As Nigeria looks for ways to reduce pollution and embrace clean energy, one thing is clear: petroleum-based products will remain part of our lives for a long time. Moving beyond petroleum isn’t just about changing how we fuel our cars it’s about rethinking how we live.
For now, petroleum remains the silent MVP running Nigeria’s life whether we like it or not.
