Nigeria’s crude oil production rose sharply in May 2026, averaging 1,530,354 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and 170,446 bpd of condensates, bringing total daily output to 1.7 million barrels. The figure marks an 11-month high and reinforces the country’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.

According to production data, the May output represents 102 per cent compliance with the 1.5 million bpd quota allocated to Nigeria by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) attributed the increase to improved operational stability across oil fields and the absence of significant pipeline disruptions during the period. It also noted that previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities had been completed, boosting production efficiency.

Month-on-month, output increased by 2.77 per cent from 1.48 million bpd recorded in April 2026. Over the past five months, production has shown steady growth, rising 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.

In strict crude oil terms—excluding condensates—Nigeria produced 1.53 million bpd in May, the highest level since January 2025, when output reached 1.538 million bpd. This also represents a 15-month high for crude production.

Production performance during the month ranged between 1.51 million bpd and a peak of 1.86 million bpd, reflecting relatively stable operations across key facilities.

Among production terminals, Bonny Terminal led output with 293,870 bpd, followed closely by Forcados Terminal at 289,900 bpd. Qua Iboe Terminal recorded 173,360 bpd, while Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 bpd. Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five with 63,250 bpd.

The sustained production growth is seen as a positive signal for Nigeria’s upstream sector, particularly amid ongoing efforts to stabilise output and attract investment into the country’s oil and gas industry.