Nigeria’s crude oil production climbed above its allocation from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in May 2026, reaching its highest level in over a year as improved stability across oil facilities boosted output.
Figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that the country produced an average of 1.53 million barrels of crude oil per day during the month, slightly exceeding its OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day.
When condensate production is included, total daily output rose to approximately 1.7 million barrels, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading oil producer.
The regulator said the increase reflects stronger performance across the upstream sector, supported by uninterrupted operations and the completion of maintenance activities at key facilities.
According to the NUPRC, overall production remained stable throughout May, with daily combined output fluctuating between 1.51 million and 1.86 million barrels.
The latest figures mark the strongest crude oil production level since January 2025 and the highest combined crude and condensate output since July 2025, highlighting a steady recovery in the country’s oil sector.
Compared with April, crude production rose by nearly 3 per cent, continuing an upward trend that has been evident in recent months. Total oil output has increased consistently since February, reflecting improved efficiency and reliability across production assets.
Among Nigeria’s major export terminals, Bonny recorded the largest contribution to output during the period, followed by Forcados and Qua Iboe. Escravos and the Amenam Blend stream also ranked among the top-producing assets.
The commission attributed the improved performance to the absence of major pipeline disruptions, vandalism incidents and facility shutdowns, factors that have historically constrained Nigeria’s oil production.
Authorities noted that the successful completion of scheduled maintenance programmes also helped improve operational performance and supported higher production levels.
The rise in output is expected to strengthen government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, providing additional support for the country’s economic objectives.
Nigeria has struggled in recent years to consistently meet its OPEC production target due to crude theft, ageing infrastructure and limited investment. However, efforts by the government, security agencies and industry stakeholders to protect oil assets and improve operations appear to be delivering results.
Industry observers say maintaining production above OPEC’s quota will depend on continued operational stability, sustained investment in upstream projects and effective measures to prevent disruptions across critical oil infrastructure.
