Nigeria's crude oil production exceeded its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May, reaching a 15-month high and solidifying its position as Africa's leading oil producer. Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) revealed an average output of 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. Including condensate production of 170,446 bpd, total hydrocarbon output averaged 1.7 million bpd.
NUPRC Statement
“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,” NUPRC said in a statement on Thursday.
This figure represents 102% of Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd, according to the regulator. The performance marks a significant milestone, with total production at its peak since July 2025, when combined output reached 1.71 million bpd. Excluding condensates, the 1.53 million bpd in May is Nigeria’s strongest since January 2025, when output touched 1.538 million bpd. It also represents a 15-month high for crude oil production without condensates.
Environmental Concerns
While oil production grows, communities in the Niger Delta face severe oil and gas pollution amid renewed exploration targets. Remediation efforts have been slow, raising concerns about the welfare of residents in the region.
Month-on-Month Growth
Crude oil production (excluding condensates) rose 2.8% month-on-month, from 1.48 million bpd in April. Combined output increased steadily from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March, 1.66 million bpd in April, and 1.7 million bpd in May. This suggests sustained improvements in operational efficiency despite global market challenges.
Top Production Streams
- Bonny Terminal: 293,870 bpd
- Forcados Terminal: 289,900 bpd
- Qua Iboe: 173,360 bpd
- Escravos Oil Terminal: 135,470 bpd
- Odudu (Amenam Blend): 63,250 bpd
Improved Operations
NUPRC attributed the improved performance to stable operations, with no significant pipeline disruptions or facility outages. All scheduled turnaround maintenance programs were completed, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency. The figures could boost government revenues and confidence in efforts to raise production capacity, which has been constrained by crude theft, pipeline vandalism, and operational challenges. With output above its OPEC quota, attention now turns to sustaining this momentum.
