Nigeria’s crude oil production exceeded its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May 2026, reaching a 15-month high as improved operational stability and fewer disruptions boosted output in Africa’s largest oil-producing country.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that Nigeria produced an average of 1.53 million barrels of crude oil per day during the month, surpassing its OPEC-approved quota of 1.5 million barrels per day by about 2 per cent.
When condensate production of 170,446 barrels per day is included, Nigeria’s total oil output rose to 1.70 million barrels per day, reinforcing its position as Africa’s top crude producer.
The NUPRC said the performance reflected stronger upstream sector reliability, improved asset management and continued stability across major oil-producing facilities.
“Total combined production stood at 1,700,800 barrels per day, consolidating Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer,” the commission said.
The May figure represents Nigeria’s strongest combined crude and condensate output since July 2025, when production reached 1.71 million barrels per day. In crude oil terms alone, the 1.53 million barrels per day recorded in May marks the highest level since January 2025.
The increase also signals a continued recovery in Nigeria’s oil sector. Crude production grew by 2.77 per cent from 1.48 million barrels per day in April, while combined crude and condensate output climbed steadily from earlier months to reach May’s 1.70 million barrels per day.
According to the NUPRC, production remained stable throughout the period, with daily combined output ranging between 1.51 million and 1.86 million barrels per day.
Bonny Terminal recorded the highest contribution among major production streams with 293,870 barrels per day, followed by Forcados Terminal with 289,900 barrels per day and Qua Iboe with 173,360 barrels per day.
Escravos Terminal contributed 135,470 barrels per day, while Odudu (Amenam Blend) recorded 63,250 barrels per day.
The regulator attributed the rise in output to the absence of major pipeline failures, facility shutdowns and successful completion of scheduled maintenance activities.
“The rise in production is attributable to sustained positive momentum as operations remained stable, with no significant pipeline or facility outages recorded,” the commission stated.
The improved production outlook could strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal position by increasing government oil revenues and supporting foreign exchange inflows amid ongoing economic reforms.
For years, Nigeria has struggled to meet its OPEC production allocation due to challenges including crude theft, pipeline vandalism, ageing infrastructure and limited upstream investment.
However, increased security measures, industry collaboration and efforts to improve oil asset integrity appear to be supporting a gradual recovery.
Analysts say maintaining production above quota levels will depend on continued investment, infrastructure upgrades and the ability to prevent renewed disruptions across critical oil facilities.