Crude output rises above OPEC target while total oil production climbs to 1.70 million barrels per day amid improved operational stability….
Nigeria has recorded its strongest oil production performance of the year, surpassing its OPEC production quota for the first time in 2026 as total crude oil and condensate output climbed to 1.70 million barrels per day (bpd) in May.
Fresh data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that the country’s combined oil production increased by 2.2 per cent from 1.66 million bpd recorded in April, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer.
More significantly, crude oil production alone averaged 1.53 million bpd during the month, exceeding Nigeria’s OPEC allocation of 1.5 million bpd by approximately two per cent.
The achievement marks a major milestone for the country’s petroleum sector, which has struggled in recent years with crude theft, pipeline vandalism, operational disruptions and underperformance relative to production targets.
The latest figures also represent the highest crude oil output recorded since January 2025, making it Nigeria’s strongest production performance in roughly 15 months.
In terms of total oil production, including condensates, the 1.70 million bpd recorded in May is the highest level achieved since July 2025, when output reached 1.71 million bpd.
According to the NUPRC, production remained consistently strong throughout the month, with daily output ranging from a low of 1.51 million bpd to a peak of 1.86 million bpd.
The commission said the sustained growth reflects improving operational efficiency across the sector and a reduction in disruptions that have historically constrained production.
Data from the regulator showed a steady upward trajectory in recent months. Combined production rose from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March before increasing further to 1.66 million bpd in April and 1.70 million bpd in May.
Industry analysts say the trend could strengthen Nigeria’s revenue outlook, particularly at a time when the government is seeking to improve foreign exchange earnings and boost fiscal performance.
Among Nigeria’s major export terminals, Bonny emerged as the largest contributor to production during the review period, accounting for nearly 294,000 barrels per day.
Forcados Terminal followed closely with almost 290,000 barrels per day, while Qua Iboe maintained third position with more than 173,000 barrels per day.
Escravos Oil Terminal contributed over 135,000 barrels daily, while the Odudu (Amenam Blend) stream rounded out the top five producing assets.
The NUPRC attributed the improved performance largely to enhanced operational stability across production facilities and transportation infrastructure.
According to the commission, there were no major pipeline shutdowns or significant production facility outages during the reporting period, helping operators maintain output levels throughout the month.
The regulator also noted that scheduled maintenance activities were completed successfully, reducing operational bottlenecks and improving overall production reliability.
The latest figures are likely to be welcomed by both policymakers and industry stakeholders, who have repeatedly stressed the importance of increasing oil output to support economic growth, government revenues and foreign exchange inflows.
With production now above Nigeria’s OPEC quota and showing signs of sustained recovery, attention will shift to whether the country can maintain the momentum in the coming months amid ongoing efforts to improve security, attract investment and expand upstream operations.
For now, May’s performance represents one of the strongest indicators yet that Nigeria’s oil sector may be regaining some of the production capacity lost over recent years.
