Nigeria continued its upward trajectory in crude oil production in May 2026, exceeding the quota assigned by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the first time in 11 Months.
According to data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the country’s crude oil production averaged 1,530,354 (1.53 million) barrels per day. This is 2 per cent above the OPEC quota of 1.5 million bpd and ends an 11-month period of underperformance.
The total output, including condensates (170,446 barrels per day), reached a total of 1,700,800 barrels per day (1.7 million bpd). Prior to the latest output improvement, the last time Nigeria met OPEC quota was in July 2025 when it recorded 1.507 million bpd of crude oil. Together with condensate, production had surged to 1,712,282 bpd that period.
However, when condensates are excluded, the 1.53 million barrels recorded in May 2026 represents the highest Nigeria has witnessed since January 2025 when crude oil production hit 1.538mbpd. “The latest crude oil production statistics thus represents a 15-month high,” the NUPRC stated in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Eniola Akinkuotu.
When compared with the output recorded in April (1.48mbpd), it means crude production rose by 2.77 per cent in May 2026.
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The Commission noted that the broader production trend over the last five months shows that it has also remained positive as combined crude oil and condensate output rose from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March, 1.66 million bpd in April, and then 1.7 million bpd in May, “underscoring sustained growth in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon production levels.”
The data also show that among production streams, Bonny Terminal recorded the highest output with a total blend of 293,870 bpd. This is closely followed by Forcados Terminal, which had 289,900 bpd. Qua Iboe ranked third with 173,360 bpd, while Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 bpd to take fourth place.
Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five production streams, accounting for 63,250 bpd during the month under review.
The NUPRC attributed the rise in production to a sustained stability in operations across key platforms throughout the reporting period with no significant pipeline or facility outages recorded.
“Additionally, all previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities had been successfully completed, contributing to improved operational reliability and production efficiency,” it added.
This boost is expected to strengthen government revenues, stabilize foreign exchange, and solidify Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X