Nigeria’s crude oil production climbed to its highest level in nearly a year in May 2026, exceeding the output target set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Fresh figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that the country produced an average of 1.70 million barrels of crude oil per day during the month, marking a significant improvement in production performance.
The latest output placed Nigeria comfortably above its OPEC production allocation of 1.5 million barrels per day, highlighting a strong recovery in the country’s oil sector.
Data from the regulator also revealed that total daily production, including condensates, fluctuated between 1.51 million and 1.86 million barrels throughout May, reflecting stable and consistent operations across key oil-producing facilities.
The performance represents Nigeria’s strongest monthly crude oil output since July 2025, when production reached 1.71 million barrels per day.
Among the major export terminals, Bonny recorded the highest contribution with nearly 294,000 barrels per day. It was followed by Forcados, which delivered close to 290,000 barrels daily. Qua Iboe and Escravos also made significant contributions, while Odudu (Amenam Blend) ranked among the top-performing production streams.
Industry observers say the increase is a positive sign for Nigeria’s economy, as higher oil production could boost government revenue and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.
According to the NUPRC, the improvement was largely driven by uninterrupted operations across oil facilities and pipelines, with no major shutdowns or disruptions reported during the month.
The latest figures are expected to further strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to increase production and maximise the benefits of its oil resources.