By Seun Ibiyemi
Nigeria’s crude oil production rose significantly in May 2026, surpassing its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota and strengthening its position as Africa’s leading oil producer.
Latest industry data showed that the country produced an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day during the month, while condensate production stood at 170,446 barrels per day.
Combined output averaged approximately 1.7 million barrels per day, representing one of the strongest production performances recorded in recent years.
The crude oil production figure exceeded Nigeria’s OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day, achieving 102 per cent compliance with the cartel’s allocation and signalling a major recovery in the country’s oil sector after years of production challenges.
The May output marks the highest crude oil production level recorded since January 2025, when the country produced 1.538 million barrels per day.
Analysts describe the latest figure as a 15-month high in crude oil production, underscoring improvements in operational efficiency and security across key oil-producing regions.
The performance also represents a notable increase from the 1.48 million barrels per day recorded in April 2026, translating to a month-on-month growth of 2.77 per cent.
In terms of total hydrocarbon production, including condensates, Nigeria recorded its highest output since July 2025 when combined production reached 1,712,282 barrels per day.
During May, total production fluctuated between a low of 1.51 million barrels per day and a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day, reflecting stable operations throughout the period.
The positive production trajectory has been sustained over the last five months. Combined crude oil and condensate production rose steadily from 1.48 million barrels per day in February to 1.54 million barrels per day in March, climbed further to 1.66 million barrels per day in April, and eventually reached 1.7 million barrels per day in May.
Industry observers say the trend reflects growing stability in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector and increasing success in efforts to curb oil theft, pipeline vandalism and production disruptions that have historically undermined output levels.
A breakdown of production by export terminals showed that Bonny Terminal emerged as the highest-producing stream during the month, contributing 293,870 barrels per day.
Forcados Terminal followed closely with 289,900 barrels per day, while Qua Iboe recorded 173,360 barrels per day to rank third among the country’s leading production streams.
Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 barrels per day, while Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five with production of 63,250 barrels per day during the review period.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) attributed the improved performance to sustained operational stability across the industry.
According to the commission, production activities remained largely uninterrupted throughout May, with no major pipeline shutdowns, facility outages or security-related disruptions reported during the reporting period.
The regulator also noted that all previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities on key facilities had been successfully completed, improving equipment reliability and boosting overall production efficiency.
The latest production figures are expected to provide additional support for government revenues, foreign exchange earnings and broader economic stability, especially as the Federal Government continues to pursue reforms aimed at increasing investment in the oil and gas sector.
The development also reinforces Nigeria’s standing as Africa’s largest oil producer at a time when several competing producers across the continent are struggling with declining output and operational constraints.
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Industry stakeholders have expressed optimism that if current production stability is maintained and investments continue to flow into the sector, Nigeria could sustain output above its OPEC quota and move closer to achieving its long-term production targets.
The strong May performance is likely to boost confidence among investors and international partners while providing fresh momentum for the country’s efforts to maximise the benefits of its vast hydrocarbon resources.
