Nigeria’s Crude Output Falls 5,000bpd to 1.5mbpd in August

Nigeria’s crude oil production fell by 5,000 barrels per day in August 2026, according to data submitted directly by the country to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and published in OPEC’s September 2026 Monthly Oil Market Report.

OPEC said Nigeria’s crude production averaged 1.5 million barrels per day in August, compared with 1.505mbpd in July.

Although Nigeria met its OPEC quota during the month, the latest decline marked the second consecutive monthly drop in the country’s output based on OPEC’s direct-communication data.

Nigeria’s production stood at 1.555mbpd in June before falling by 50,000bpd to 1.505mbpd in July and declining by another 5,000bpd to 1.5mbpd in August.

The combined decline between June and August was therefore 55,000bpd.

Since January 2026, Nigeria’s crude oil production has fluctuated between about 1.45mbpd and 1.56mbpd, according to the OPEC data.

However, figures from secondary sources presented a different picture, showing that Nigeria’s output increased by 35,000bpd in August to 1.57mbpd.

The secondary-source data showed production had fallen by 46,000bpd in July, from 1.58mbpd in June to 1.54mbpd, before recovering in August.

Across the Declaration of Cooperation group, total crude production rose by about 300,000bpd in August to 38.05mbpd.

The increase was driven mainly by OPEC members, whose combined output rose by 346,000bpd to 24.08mbpd, while non-OPEC DoC producers recorded a 49,000bpd decline.

Iraq recorded the largest increase among producers, with output rising by 664,000bpd to 3.38mbpd based on secondary-source data. Its direct-communication figures showed an even larger increase of 845,000bpd.

Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela also recorded increases, which more than offset declines in Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Based on secondary-source data, Iran’s production fell by 399,000bpd, Russia declined by 160,000bpd, while Saudi Arabia recorded a 75,000bpd reduction.

Nigeria’s 5,000bpd decline therefore contrasted with the broader recovery in OPEC production in August, although the reduction was relatively small compared with the group’s overall output.

The September report provides the latest snapshot of Nigeria’s crude production as the country continues efforts to stabilise and increase output amid operational and security challenges in the oil-producing regions.