Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Quota As Oil Production Hits 15-Month High
Nigeria’s crude oil production rose above its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May 2026, reaching its highest level in 15 months and signalling a strong recovery in the country’s petroleum sector.
Latest figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Thursday showed that the country produced an average of 1.53 million barrels of crude oil per day (mbpd) in May, representing 102 per cent of its OPEC production quota of 1.5mbpd.
When condensate production of 170,446 barrels per day is added, Nigeria’s total daily hydrocarbon output climbed to 1.70 million barrels per day, the highest combined crude oil and condensate production recorded since July 2025.
The development further strengthens Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer and marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to boost output, improve operational efficiency, and attract investment into the upstream sector.
Data from the NUPRC, made available to newsmen by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications at the commission, Eniola Akinkuotu, indicated that the country’s combined crude oil and condensate production fluctuated between a low of 1.51 million barrels per day and a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day during the month under review.
The May crude oil output of 1.53mbpd was particularly significant as it represents the highest level achieved since January 2025, when production stood at approximately 1.538mbpd.
On a month-to-month basis, crude oil production increased by 2.77 per cent, rising from about 1.48mbpd in April 2026.
The commission’s figures also revealed a consistent upward trajectory in production over the last five months. Combined crude oil and condensate output rose from 1.48 million barrels per day in February to 1.54 million barrels per day in March, increased further to 1.66 million barrels per day in April, before reaching 1.70 million barrels per day in May.
Industry observers say the sustained growth could improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and strengthen government revenues at a time when authorities are seeking additional resources to fund critical infrastructure and economic development programmes.
A breakdown of production streams showed that Bonny Terminal emerged as the largest contributor, producing 293,870 barrels per day, closely followed by Forcados Terminal with 289,900 barrels per day.
Qua Iboe ranked third with 173,360 barrels per day, while Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 barrels per day. Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five producing streams with 63,250 barrels per day.
Explaining the strong performance, the NUPRC attributed the increase in production to improved operational stability across key oil assets and the successful completion of maintenance activities.
According to the commission, operations remained largely uninterrupted throughout the reporting period, with no major pipeline disruptions or facility outages recorded.
The regulator also noted that all previously scheduled turnaround maintenance programmes had been completed successfully, leading to enhanced production efficiency and improved reliability of oil facilities.
The latest figures are expected to boost confidence among investors and reinforce ongoing reforms aimed at increasing Nigeria’s oil output, reducing production losses, and maximising value from the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.
For Nigeria, surpassing its OPEC quota and recording its strongest crude oil performance in more than a year underscores the growing momentum within the upstream petroleum sector and offers fresh optimism for increased revenue generation in the months ahead.