Nigeria’s crude oil production is on track for further growth, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) expressing confidence that output could soon reach 1.9 million barrels per day following recent gains in the sector.
The projection was disclosed by the Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja.
According to the commission, crude production climbed to about 1.86 million barrels per day in May, reflecting continued recovery in the oil industry after years of operational challenges. Eyesan noted that the improvement demonstrates the impact of ongoing reforms and stronger collaboration among industry stakeholders.
The meeting between the two agencies focused on enhancing cooperation to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management and collection of oil and gas revenues.
Eyesan praised the reforms introduced by the Nigeria Revenue Service and described the transfer of revenue collection responsibilities under the NRS Act as smooth and effective. She added that the NUPRC remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment that supports investment and growth across the petroleum industry.
While expressing optimism about production prospects, she acknowledged that challenges such as ageing infrastructure, asset integrity concerns and manpower shortages continue to affect the sector. She said efforts are underway to address these issues to sustain the recovery and support higher production levels.
The NUPRC chief also highlighted the commission’s progress in digitising its operations, describing it as one of the major objectives pursued since she assumed office.
Responding, Adedeji reaffirmed the NRS’s commitment to working closely with the NUPRC to improve government revenue generation. He stressed that the agency’s role is to collect and account for revenues transparently while supporting institutions responsible for generating them.
He said stronger cooperation between both organisations would help boost revenue collection and ensure greater accountability in the management of public funds.
The engagement comes as the Federal Government continues to implement reforms under Executive Order 9 and the Nigeria Revenue Service Act, which expanded the NRS’s responsibilities in assessing, collecting and accounting for federally collectable revenues, including petroleum royalties.
The oil industry has faced significant setbacks in recent years due to crude theft, pipeline vandalism, underinvestment and ageing facilities. However, improved security measures, fresh investment commitments and regulatory reforms have contributed to a gradual rebound in production, raising hopes that Nigeria can move closer to its long-standing goal of producing about two million barrels of crude oil per day.
