Nigeria’s oil exploration and drilling activities recorded a steep decline in April 2026, with rig operations falling by 41.7%, according to a new report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC.

The latest Monthly Oil Market Report showed that the country’s active rig count dropped to 12 in April, down from 17 in March. This reduction points to a slowdown in upstream oil operations, which are usually driven by investment levels, field development, and exploration activity.

OPEC noted that Nigeria’s average rig performance has also weakened over time, slipping from 15 rigs in 2024 to 13 in 2025, suggesting a broader downward trend in drilling activity beyond just monthly changes.

Industry observers say the fall in rig numbers reflects ongoing challenges in the oil sector, including funding constraints and operational difficulties, despite government efforts to boost production under the Petroleum Industry Act.

Across Africa, the report showed a mixed picture, with total rig activity rising slightly from 42 rigs in March to 48 in April. However, Nigeria accounted for a large share of the regional decline during the period under review.

Within the OPEC grouping, Nigeria continues to trail major producers such as Saudi Arabia, which operated 265 rigs, the United Arab Emirates with 66 rigs, and Iraq with 19 rigs in April.

While OPEC’s data highlights a slowdown, Nigeria’s upstream regulator recently presented a different estimate, placing the country’s active rigs at 31 and suggesting that exploration and production are still ongoing across various oil fields.

Analysts warn that if the decline in drilling activity continues, it could limit Nigeria’s ability to grow crude output and consistently meet its production targets in the coming years.