Nigeria Hits 1.5 Million Barrels Per Day in Crude Oil Production

Nigeria’s crude oil production witnessed a notable boost in June 2025, reaching 1.505 million barrels per day (mb/d) — a significant milestone that finally aligns with the country’s current quota under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

This increase marks the first time in years that Nigeria has successfully met the OPEC benchmark, a crucial win for the oil-dependent economy.

According to the latest Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) released by OPEC, the June figure represents an uptick from the 1.453 mb/d recorded in May.

It also signals steady growth in Nigeria’s oil output, which hovered around 1.1 mb/d in 2023, rose to 1.3 mb/d in 2024, and has averaged 1.4 mb/d since the beginning of 2025. Still, this production level falls short of the more ambitious 2.06 mb/d target outlined in the country’s 2025 budget.

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Despite this gap, optimism is running high. The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, expressed confidence in the country’s upward trajectory in oil output.

He noted that Nigeria had seen production levels of about 1.56 mb/d in March and 1.63 mb/d more recently — figures that include condensates. He projected that output could hit 1.9 mb/d by December if current trends continue.

Ojulari also highlighted a crucial development: Nigeria experienced 100 percent availability on its major crude oil pipelines throughout June — a rare achievement that played a central role in the production surge.

This breakthrough was largely attributed to targeted, industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC, aimed at curbing pipeline vandalism and crude theft, issues that have historically undermined the country’s oil output.

As Nigeria sets its sights on producing 2.06 mb/d by 2027, Ojulari emphasized the importance of sustained investment in the sector. He underscored NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to meeting its cash-call obligations in Joint Venture operations — a key factor that has helped restore investor confidence and improve operational efficiency across oil fields.

With improved security infrastructure and consistent investment, industry experts are forecasting a continued rise in crude production in the coming months — a development that could offer a much-needed boost to Nigeria’s revenue base and economic stability.