A Nigerian financial expert, Kalu Aja, has called on Western nations, particularly the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), to consider purchasing Nigerian crude oil as a strategic measure to weaken Russia’s financial ability to sustain its war in Ukraine.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Aja argued that Europe’s continued purchase of Russian gas indirectly funds Moscow’s war efforts. He suggested that the West should instead buy Nigerian crude and supply it to countries like India at the same subsidized rate offered by Russia. According to him, this approach could effectively reduce the flow of funds Russia relies on to finance the war.

He wrote: “The EU is still buying Russian gas, hard to go cold turkey agreed, but that’s a significant number. The EU and US should buy Nigerian crude, and offer to India on a subsidized basis essentially same price India gets from Russia. Won’t be enough, but that model could work to reduce the funds Russia is using to fight. That’s a cheaper and faster way to end the war.”

Aja’s comments come as Western powers struggle to limit Moscow’s oil revenues through sanctions and price caps, which have produced mixed outcomes. Despite restrictions, Russia has continued to find large-scale buyers, particularly in India and China, helping it maintain its war chest.

Nigeria, though facing production challenges and infrastructure issues, remains Africa’s top oil producer and could play a key role in global energy realignment if the right investments and partnerships are made. Experts believe such an approach could also boost Nigeria’s foreign earnings and strengthen its position in the global crude market.