Nigeria’s crude oil production has climbed above its OPEC production quota, reaching a 15-month high in May 2026, driven by improved operational stability and reduced disruptions across key oil facilities.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) shows that the country produced an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day in May, slightly exceeding its 1.5 million barrels per day quota set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
When condensates are included, total daily production rose to about 1.7 million barrels, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer.
According to the commission, the increase reflects sustained improvements in upstream operations, with production levels remaining stable throughout the month and no major pipeline shutdowns or facility disruptions recorded.
The NUPRC noted that output fluctuated between 1.51 million and 1.86 million barrels per day during the period, marking the strongest performance in recent months and the highest crude output since early 2025.
Key production hubs such as Bonny, Forcados, Qua Iboe, Escravos, and Odudu terminals were major contributors, with Bonny and Forcados leading daily output figures.
The commission attributed the growth to completed maintenance activities, improved infrastructure reliability, and ongoing efforts to curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which have historically affected Nigeria’s production capacity.
The latest figures also show a steady upward trend over recent months, with production rising consistently from February through May 2026, strengthening government revenue prospects amid broader economic challenges.
While Nigeria has often struggled to meet its OPEC quota in the past due to security and infrastructure issues in the oil sector, recent improvements suggest a gradual recovery in output stability.
Sustaining this momentum, however, will depend on continued operational efficiency, investment inflows, and stronger protection of critical oil assets across producing regions.
