Nigeria’s oil production declined by nine per cent month-on-month to 1.483 million barrels per day (bpd) in February 2026, down from 1.627 million bpd recorded in January.
This is according to the latest report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which tracks crude oil and condensate production.
On a year-on-year basis, output also fell by 11 per cent from 1.671 million bpd recorded in February 2025.
The commission noted that daily average production stood at 1.54 million bpd, comprising 1.42 million bpd of crude oil and 122,385 bpd of condensate.
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Despite the decline, production levels hovered around 95 per cent of Nigeria’s quota under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Although the NUPRC did not state the exact cause of the drop, industry sources attributed it to ageing infrastructure and persistent oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The decline means Nigeria fell short of its 2026 budget benchmark of 1.84 million bpd, even as global oil prices remain above $100 per barrel.
The development highlights ongoing challenges in the country’s oil sector, despite government efforts to boost output and stabilise production.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
