Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to a six-year high in June, averaging 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd), representing 104 per cent of the country’s OPEC production quota, according to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The milestone marks the highest crude oil output recorded since April 2020, reflecting improved production performance across the country’s oil sector.
In a statement released late Sunday, the NUPRC attributed the increase to stable production operations across most oil-producing assets and the absence of major pipeline disruptions during the review period.
“The improved performance was primarily driven by stable production operations across most producing assets and the absence of any major pipeline outages during the period under review,” the commission stated.
The regulator also disclosed that Nigeria’s total oil production, including condensates, averaged 1.74 million barrels per day in June.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has recorded improved output in recent years through efforts to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, including enhanced security measures and greater collaboration with local stakeholders.
The country’s oil industry has also witnessed increased participation by indigenous firms as several international oil companies shifted their focus from onshore operations to offshore production.
Despite the recent improvement, the Federal Government continues to pursue its target of increasing oil production to two million barrels per day.
Although Nigeria’s oil sector has long been affected by crude theft, pipeline sabotage, and governance challenges, the latest production figures signal continued progress toward improving output and strengthening the country’s petroleum industry.
