Nigeria’s crude oil production is now almost back to full capacity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced.

The company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, revealed this on Monday at the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja. He said the improvement came as a result of stronger cooperation between the energy sector and the nation’s security and intelligence agencies.

Ojulari noted that oil output had previously dropped sharply—sometimes to only 20 to 30 percent—due to crude theft, vandalism, and illegal refining. But he explained that ongoing military patrols, intelligence-driven actions, and joint operations have restored stability to the sector.

“Today, our production and receipts are now close to 100 percent,” he said, applauding the efforts of security agencies in stabilizing the Niger Delta.

He also cautioned that crude oil theft is not just a local challenge but one driven by international crime networks. He urged African nations to work more closely together to protect energy infrastructure, describing energy security as a collective priority for the continent.

Ojulari reaffirmed NNPCL’s support for the armed forces and intelligence community, stressing that the oil and gas industry would continue to play a role in boosting Africa’s security and economic growth.

The summit, themed “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaboration”, gathered defence leaders from 36 countries. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu, while UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered the keynote address.