Morganable Economy Watch
A month-on-month analysis showed that total production rose from 1.700 million barrels per day recorded in May to 1.735 million barrels per day in June, reflecting a 2.2 per cent increase
kaNo —
Nigeria’s crude oil production has surged to its highest level in more than six years, exceeding the quota set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries for the fourth consecutive month.
Latest data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that the country’s average crude oil production rose to 1.56 million barrels per day in June 2026, while condensate output stood at 0.18 million barrels per day.
This brought total crude oil and condensate production to 1,735,398 barrels per day during the month under review.
The production data, contained in the commission’s latest report and conveyed in a statement by its Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, also indicated that June marked the fourth consecutive month of production growth, reinforcing a steady rebound after years of setbacks caused by crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and operational disruptions.
“Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production soared to an average of 1,735,398 barrels per day in the month of June 2026, representing positive growth for a fourth consecutive month,” the statement read.
A month-on-month analysis showed that total production rose from 1.700 million barrels per day recorded in May to 1.735 million barrels per day in June, reflecting a 2.2 per cent increase.
According to the commission, the improved performance was largely driven by enhanced operational stability across key oil-producing assets and the absence of major pipeline outages during the review period.
“The improved performance was primarily driven by stable production operations across most producing assets and the absence of any major pipeline outages,” the commission stated, adding that effective management of scheduled maintenance activities also contributed to sustaining output levels.
Industry analysts say the consistent growth reflects renewed coordination among stakeholders, including government agencies and oil operators, aimed at boosting production efficiency and safeguarding oil infrastructure.
Nigeria Records 1.8bpd In June
The report further revealed that Nigeria’s highest daily combined crude oil and condensate production in June reached 1.89 million barrels per day, while the lowest daily output stood at 1.57 million barrels per day.
The peak production figure is particularly significant as it underscores Nigeria’s potential to achieve the Federal Government’s long-standing target of producing two million barrels of oil per day,a goal that has remained elusive due to persistent insecurity in oil-producing regions and infrastructure challenges.
A breakdown of production by export terminals showed that Bonny Terminal maintained its position as the country’s highest-producing terminal, with an average daily output of 318,280 barrels, up from 293,880 barrels recorded in May.
Forcados Terminal ranked second, producing 306,360 barrels per day compared to 289,900 barrels in the previous month.
However, output at Qua Iboe Terminal declined slightly to 164,730 barrels per day from 173,360 barrels per day recorded in May.
The sustained growth in production is expected to have positive implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly in terms of increased oil export revenues, improved foreign exchange inflows, and enhanced fiscal capacity for the government.
Reforms Boost Oil Production
However, recent reforms and improved security measures have contributed to the gradual turnaround in the sector.
Key among these reforms is the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, as well as strengthened collaboration between security agencies and oil companies to protect critical infrastructure.
Further reinforcing the positive outlook, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed that the national oil company recorded an average 98 per cent operational recovery across its five crude oil export terminals between April 2025 and May 2026.
He noted that the recovery marks a significant improvement from operational lows of about one per cent recorded at the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal in June 2022, highlighting the progress made in restoring production capacity.
According to him, Nigeria’s crude oil production has now reached approximately 1.71 million barrels per day the highest level in five years while NNPC Exploration and Production Limited achieved a record output of 365,000 barrels per day.
Gas Production Rose To 7.5bn
Ojulari also disclosed that gas production rose to 7.5 billion standard cubic feet per day, driven by key infrastructure projects, including the completion of the River Niger crossing on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline and the commissioning of the ANOH Gas Processing Plant.
Energy experts say sustaining production above OPEC’s quota will be critical for Nigeria to fully capitalise on favourable global oil prices and attract further investment into the upstream sector.
They also warn that maintaining the current momentum will require continued vigilance against crude oil theft, consistent investment in infrastructure, and policy stability to encourage long-term commitments from investors.
As Nigeria continues to rebuild its oil production capacity, the June figures represent a significant milestone, signalling both resilience and renewed confidence in the country’s energy sector.
