Nigeria’s crude oil production reached its highest level in 11 months in May 2026, with combined crude oil and condensate output averaging 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), exceeding the country’s quota under the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that the increase was supported by stable operations during the month, with no major pipeline disruptions or production facility outages recorded.
The regulator said the latest figures reflected continued improvement in Nigeria’s oil production performance, following months of efforts to restore output levels affected by operational challenges, theft and infrastructure disruptions.
NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, said the broader production trend had remained positive over the past five months, with output gradually increasing.
According to the commission’s data, May production consisted of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day and 170,446 barrels of condensates, bringing total output to 1.7 million bpd.
The figure represents 102 percent of Nigeria’s 1.5 million bpd production quota allocated by OPEC and marks the highest combined crude and condensate output since July 2025.
Production during the month fluctuated between 1.51 million bpd and 1.86 million bpd, showing a 2.77 percent increase from the 1.48 million bpd recorded in April.
When condensates are excluded, crude oil production alone also reached a 15-month high, surpassing the 1.538 million bpd recorded in January 2025.
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The latest figures underline a steady recovery in Nigeria’s oil sector after years of declining output caused by ageing infrastructure, security challenges in oil-producing areas and disruptions to production activities.
The NUPRC report showed that combined crude oil and condensate output increased consistently from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March, 1.66 million bpd in April and 1.7 million bpd in May.
The improvement comes as Africa’s largest oil producer continues efforts to attract investment into its energy sector and strengthen production capacity.
Nigeria relies heavily on oil revenues to support government finances, making higher production levels important for foreign exchange earnings and economic stability.
Among Nigeria’s major export terminals, Bonny Terminal recorded the highest production volume in May with 293,870 bpd. It was followed closely by Forcados Terminal with 289,900 bpd.
Qua Iboe Terminal accounted for 173,360 bpd, while Escravos Oil Terminal produced 135,470 bpd. Odudu, also known as Amenam Blend, completed the top five with 63,250 bpd.
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Analysts say sustaining the current production momentum will depend on continued investment in oil infrastructure, improved security around pipelines and facilities, and efforts to create a more stable operating environment for energy companies.
The rise in output also comes amid growing competition among oil-producing countries and increasing pressure on producers to maintain efficiency while preparing for a global energy transition.
For Nigeria, boosting production remains a key priority as the government seeks to maximise its natural resources while expanding investment across the wider energy sector.
