Nigeria’s crude oil production rose above its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries production quota in May 2026, with the country recording its highest crude output in 15 months amid improved operational stability and the absence of major disruptions across key oil facilities.
Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that Nigeria produced an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day in May, representing 102 per cent of the country’s 1.5 million barrels per day quota approved by OPEC.
When condensate production of 170,446 barrels per day is added, Nigeria’s total oil output climbed to 1,700,800 barrels per day, further strengthening the country’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.
The figures were contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications at the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu.
According to the commission, the latest performance reflects sustained improvements in the country’s upstream operations and marks the strongest production level recorded in recent months.
“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.
“The average crude oil production recorded during the month of May represents 102 per cent of Nigeria’s 1.5 million barrels per day production quota allocated by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries,” the statement noted.
It added that production remained largely stable throughout the month.
“Production performance during the review period remained robust, with combined crude oil and condensate output ranging between a low of 1.51 million barrels per day and a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day,” the commission stated.
An analysis of the figures showed that the May performance represents Nigeria’s highest combined crude oil and condensate output since July 2025, when production surged to 1,712,282 barrels per day.
In strict crude oil terms, excluding condensates, the 1.53 million barrels per day recorded in May is the highest level achieved by the country since January 2025, when output stood at 1.538 million barrels per day.
The latest figures therefore represent a 15-month high in Nigeria’s crude oil production.
The development also highlights a steady upward trajectory in the country’s oil output over the past few months.
On a month-on-month basis, crude production increased by 2.77 per cent from the 1.48 million barrels per day recorded in April 2026.
The broader production trend has equally remained positive.
Combined crude oil and condensate output rose from 1.48 million barrels per day in February to 1.54 million barrels per day in March. Production climbed further to 1.66 million barrels per day in April before reaching 1.70 million barrels per day in May.
The commission said the sustained growth underscored increasing operational efficiency and improved reliability within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Among the country’s major production streams, Bonny Terminal emerged as the largest contributor during the month, recording an output of 293,870 barrels per day.
Forcados Terminal followed closely with 289,900 barrels per day, while Qua Iboe ranked third after producing 173,360 barrels per day.
Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 barrels per day, while Odudu, also known as the Amenam Blend, completed the top five production streams with 63,250 barrels per day.
The NUPRC attributed the increase in production to the continued stability of upstream operations across the country.
According to the commission, the absence of major pipeline breaches and facility shutdowns played a critical role in boosting output.
“The rise in production is attributable to sustained positive momentum as operations remained stable throughout the reporting period, with no significant pipeline or facility outages recorded,” the statement said.
It added, “Additionally, all previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities had been successfully completed, contributing to improved operational reliability and production efficiency.”
The latest production figures may offer a boost to Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, as higher oil output is expected to support government revenues and foreign exchange earnings at a time when authorities are seeking to strengthen economic growth and stabilise public finances.
Nigeria has repeatedly struggled to meet its OPEC production target in recent years due to crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, ageing infrastructure and underinvestment in the sector.
However, renewed efforts by the Federal Government, security agencies and industry operators to curb oil theft and improve asset integrity appear to be yielding positive results.
Sustaining production above the OPEC quota level will depend on the country’s ability to maintain operational stability, attract fresh investment into upstream projects and prevent a resurgence of disruptions across critical oil infrastructure.
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