Nigeria's oil production experienced a significant increase in May 2026, reaching an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil and 170,446 barrels of condensates per day. This brought the total combined production to 1,700,800 barrels per day, solidifying Nigeria's position as Africa's largest oil producer.
NUPRC Reports Compliance with OPEC Quota
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the average crude oil production recorded in May represents 102 percent of Nigeria's 1.5 million barrels per day production quota allocated by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The commission stated that production performance during the review period remained robust, with combined crude oil and condensate output ranging from a low of 1.51 million bpd to a high of 1.86 million bpd.
Highest Production Since July 2025
The May 2026 production figures are the highest recorded by Nigeria since July 2025, when output surged to 1,712,282 barrels per day. In strict crude oil terms, excluding condensates, the 1.53 million barrels recorded in May 2026 is the highest since January 2025, when crude oil production hit 1.538 million bpd. This latest crude oil production statistic represents a 15-month high.
Month-on-Month Growth
On a month-on-month basis, production rose by 2.77 percent in May 2026 compared to 1.48 million bpd in April. The broader production trend over the last five months has remained positive. Combined crude oil and condensate output increased from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March, 1.66 million bpd in April, and then 1.7 million bpd in May, underscoring sustained growth in Nigeria's hydrocarbon production levels.
Top Production Streams
Among production streams, Bonny Terminal led with a total blend of 293,870 bpd, closely followed by Forcados Terminal at 289,900 bpd. Qua Iboe ranked third with 173,360 bpd, while Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 bpd. Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five production streams, accounting for 63,250 bpd during the month under review.
NUPRC Attributes Growth to Stability and Maintenance
The NUPRC attributes the rise in production to sustained positive momentum, with operations remaining stable throughout the reporting period and no significant pipeline or facility outages recorded. Additionally, all previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities had been successfully completed, contributing to improved operational reliability and production efficiency.
