Nigeria Records Highest Crude Oil Output In 15 Months

Nigeria’s crude oil production surpassed its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May 2026, recording its highest output in 15 months amid improved operational stability across key oil facilities.

Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that the country produced an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day in May, representing 102 per cent of its OPEC production quota of 1.5mn barrels per day.

With condensate production averaging 170,446 barrels per day, Nigeria’s total oil output rose to 1,700,800 barrels per day, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest oil producer.

The figures were disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu.

According to the commission, the latest performance reflects sustained improvements in upstream operations and marks the strongest production level recorded in recent months.

“Nigeria’s oil production witnessed an upswing in May 2026, averaging 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil and 170,446 barrels of condensates per day, bringing the total combined production to 1,700,800 barrels per day and consolidating Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer,” the statement said.

The commission noted that crude oil production in May was the highest recorded since January 2025, when output stood at 1.538mn barrels per day, making it a 15-month high.

Production remained stable throughout the month, with combined crude oil and condensate output ranging between a low of 1.51mn barrels per day and a peak of 1.86mn barrels per day.

On a month-on-month basis, crude oil production increased by 2.77 per cent from the 1.48mn barrels per day recorded in April 2026.

Among the major production streams, Bonny Terminal led with 293,870 barrels per day, followed by Forcados Terminal with 289,900 barrels per day. Qua Iboe produced 173,360 barrels per day, while Escravos Oil Terminal and Odudu (Amenam Blend) contributed 135,470 and 63,250 barrels per day respectively.

The NUPRC attributed the increase in production to stable upstream operations, the absence of major pipeline breaches and facility shutdowns, as well as the successful completion of scheduled maintenance activities.

“The rise in production is attributable to sustained positive momentum as operations remained stable throughout the reporting period, with no significant pipeline or facility outages recorded,” the commission stated.

The development is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal outlook by boosting government revenues and foreign exchange earnings as authorities continue efforts to support economic growth and improve public finances.

Nigeria has struggled in recent years to meet its OPEC quota due to crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, ageing infrastructure, and underinvestment. However, ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, security agencies, and industry operators to curb oil theft and improve asset integrity appear to be yielding results.