NNPC E&P Limited Sets New Production Record at 355,000 Barrels Per Day
Ojulari: Nigeria’s Energy Revival Is No Longer a Promise — It Is in Motion
NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has recorded a historic production milestone, hitting 355,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) on December 1, 2025 — the company’s highest daily output since 1989.
The achievement represents a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector and underscores the impact of NEPL’s ongoing transformation agenda, built around operational efficiency, discipline, and performance-driven leadership.
A 52% Production Surge in Two Years
Recent production figures highlight the depth of this turnaround. NEPL’s average daily production rose by 52 percent, climbing from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025. The latest record is the clearest indication yet that structural reforms within the company are translating into measurable results.
Industry observers note that this growth did not occur by chance. It is the outcome of a deliberate strategy focused on operational excellence, strengthened asset management, and structured field development. NEPL’s performance demonstrates that with the right systems, leadership, and workforce commitment, Nigeria’s upstream sector can reverse years of volatility and underperformance.
Turning National Targets into Real Momentum
The milestone also brings renewed credibility to Nigeria’s long-standing production ambitions. Presidential targets of 2 million bpd by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030 have often been viewed as aspirational. NEPL’s delivery now signals that these goals are increasingly attainable.
Speaking on the development, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, described the achievement as clear evidence that Nigeria’s energy revival is already underway.
“By exceeding its own production benchmarks, NEPL has confirmed that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are firmly in place,” Ojulari said. “This milestone shows that our equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships can be driven with commercial discipline to deliver real and positive outcomes.”
According to Ojulari, the development sends a strong signal to both local and international stakeholders, reinforcing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to reassert itself as a reliable and dependable energy supplier.
Sustainable Growth, Not Short-Term Gains
Also reacting to the record performance, Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, emphasized that the achievement goes far beyond headline production numbers.
“In a sector where shortcuts may deliver short-term gains but cause long-term damage, NEPL is proving a different point,” Ntia said. “Sustainable progress must be built on responsible operations — protecting worker safety, host communities, and the environment.”
He noted that the company’s approach reflects a deliberate shift away from extraction at any cost, toward sustainable value creation, a requirement for any modern energy company seeking long-term global relevance.
Leadership, People, and Partnerships Driving Results
For Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, the record-setting output mirrors a broader transformation unfolding across NNPC Limited.
“This is a story shaped by clear leadership, accountable partnerships, and a workforce whose dedication is turning ambition into measurable progress,” Foucart stated. “Our people, processes, and principles are the real engines of this success. We are building for the future, not merely celebrating today.”
Foucart added that the implications for Nigerians are significant.
“This achievement means more than increased barrels. It translates into higher national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only increased production; it has reignited confidence in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right culture, systems, and commitment.”
About NNPC Exploration & Production Limited
NNPC Exploration & Production Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of NNPC Limited, responsible for the exploration and production of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. The company plays a central role in advancing national energy objectives while promoting efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
