Nigeria has ramped up its crude oil production to a peak of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), with recent average output sitting at 1.78 million bpd, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, revealed the development during the 48th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council in Lagos.
He credited the rise in production to ongoing regulatory reforms, fresh technological applications, and strategic initiatives such as the “Project 1 MMBOPD Incremental” programme, which targets production growth from both shallow and deep offshore fields.
Since the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, NUPRC has rolled out 21 new regulations to improve investor confidence, streamline operations, and align Nigeria’s upstream oil sector with global best practices. These rules focus on areas like emissions control, transparent production monitoring, host community engagement, energy access, and safe decommissioning of oil assets.
Komolafe also highlighted the Commission’s broader sustainability drive. A new Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint, built around seven strategic pillars, aims to attract long-term investments and secure Nigeria’s place in the evolving global energy market.
Technology now plays a major role in the Commission’s operations, helping to fast-track regulatory services and reduce operational delays. “We’ve integrated technology not just to boost efficiency but also to ensure transparency and accountability across the sector,” he said.
Efforts are also being made to strengthen the local oil and gas supply chain by supporting both indigenous and international service providers. Komolafe said the Commission is pushing for more local content, including technology transfer and local manufacturing, to reduce costs and improve resilience.
He noted that alongside hitting the 1.8 million bpd production peak last month, the Commission is refining its Maximum Efficient Rate (MER) framework and improving operational planning to reduce unplanned shutdowns.
With these reforms gaining traction, Komolafe expressed optimism that the government’s mandate to boost production is now well within reach.
