Nigeria’s crude oil output has increased by 300,000 barrels per day following the launch of the One Million Barrels initiative by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in October 2024.

The initiative was introduced to raise national production by one million barrels annually and is already delivering early gains. According to the NUPRC, daily crude output has grown to about 1.7 million barrels—up from the earlier average of 1.45 million barrels.

Speaking at a media workshop in Abuja, NUPRC chief executive Gbenga Komolafe said the rise in production is being supported by an increase in active rigs, which now stand at 46 across the country. He linked the growth in drilling activity to the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act and recent policy actions by the federal government.

Komolafe praised President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Orders 40, 41, and 42 focused on tax relief, local content, and contract efficiency as major drivers of renewed investor interest and billions of dollars in sector funding.

“These reforms have unlocked massive investment and led to stronger production numbers,” Komolafe said.

He also clarified the role of the commission, stressing that as a regulator, the NUPRC provides oversight rather than direct operation, and serves to maintain balance in the industry.

He encouraged journalists to help inform the public about the commission’s work and the impact of reforms on Nigeria’s oil production outlook.