Nigeria's crude oil production surpassed its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May 2026, reaching a 15-month high of 1.53 million barrels per day. This achievement signifies a turnaround in the nation's efforts to boost output amidst challenges like oil theft and underinvestment.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) confirmed the average daily crude output for May. Including condensate production of 170,446 barrels per day, Nigeria's total hydrocarbon output reached 1.7 million barrels per day. This performance consolidates Nigeria's position as Africa's largest oil producer.
The May figure represents 102% of Nigeria's OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day. This is the first time the country has exceeded its allocated quota since July 2025, ending a 10-month period of production below the target ceiling.
The NUPRC attributed the improved production to stable operations, the absence of significant pipeline disruptions or facility outages, and the successful completion of turnaround maintenance programmes. These factors have contributed to enhanced operational reliability and higher production efficiency.
On a month-on-month basis, crude oil production (excluding condensates) increased by 2.8% from 1.48 million barrels per day in April. The combined crude oil and condensate production also showed a steady rise, from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.7 million bpd in May.
Key production streams contributing to this increase include the Bonny Terminal with 293,870 bpd, Forcados Terminal with 289,900 bpd, and Qua Iboe with 173,360 bpd. Escravos Oil Terminal accounted for 135,470 bpd, and Odudu (Amenam Blend) produced 63,250 bpd.
This rebound in production is expected to boost government revenues and foreign exchange earnings, providing support for Nigeria's fiscal position. The development also signals that ongoing reforms in the petroleum sector may be yielding positive results, despite persistent challenges such as crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Industry analysts suggest that the improved output reflects better security around oil infrastructure, enhanced surveillance, and increased collaboration among government agencies, security operators, and oil companies. Sustaining this momentum will depend on continued operational stability, attracting further investment, and preventing future disruptions.
