Nigeria crude oil production increased to 1.459 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2026, according to data submitted directly to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and published in its February 2026 Monthly Oil Market Report.
The January figure represents a 37,000 bpd rise from December 2025’s output of 1.422 million bpd and signals renewed growth at the start of the year.
Nigeria Crude Oil Production Records Month-on-Month Growth
The improvement in Nigeria crude oil production marks a rebound from November’s 1.420 million bpd and reflects gradual upstream recovery.
OPEC data based on direct communication shows:
- 2024 average: 1.345 million bpd
- 2025 average: 1.453 million bpd
- January 2026: 1.459 million bpd
Notably, OPEC’s calculation excludes condensate output and focuses strictly on crude oil production.
The January increase ranks among the most significant upward adjustments within the cartel for the review period.
Nigeria Ranks Among Top OPEC Producers
Within the OPEC hierarchy, Nigeria trailed only:
- Saudi Arabia (10.1 million bpd)
- Iraq (4.097 million bpd)
- United Arab Emirates (3.383 million bpd)
- Kuwait
Other notable January shifts include:
- Libya: up 6,000 bpd to 1.378 million bpd
- Algeria: down 1,000 bpd to 971,000 bpd
- Congo: down 6,000 bpd to 275,000 bpd
Despite persistent challenges, Nigeria remains Africa’s leading oil producer within OPEC based on declared figures.
Pipeline Security and Upstream Reforms Drive Output
The rise in Nigeria crude oil production follows intensified efforts to stabilise operations through:
- Enhanced pipeline surveillance
- Crackdowns on oil theft
- Reactivation of previously shut-in wells
In recent years, production had been constrained by vandalism, Niger Delta security disruptions, and underinvestment in infrastructure.
NNPC Pushes Regional Energy Integration at IEW 2026
Meanwhile, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, outlined strategic pillars for Africa’s energy future during International Energy Week 2026 in London.
Speaking at the International Energy Week, Ojulari highlighted shared infrastructure, policy harmonisation, and coordinated investment frameworks as critical to long-term stability.
He emphasised accelerated delivery of flagship cross-border projects, including:
- Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline
- West African Gas Pipeline
Ojulari stressed the need for aligned pricing systems, transit protocols, and joint regulatory standards, drawing lessons from Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act reforms.
“Our pathway is clear: grow production responsibly, scale gas for industrialisation, strengthen environmental accountability, and align with global decarbonisation goals,” he stated.
OPEC Output Declines Despite Nigeria Gains
While Nigeria crude oil production rose, overall OPEC output declined sharply. The 22-member alliance produced an average of 42.448 million bpd in January, representing a drop of 439,000 bpd month-on-month amid losses in Kazakhstan, Venezuela, and Iran.
The broader context highlights Nigeria’s improving position within a tightening global supply environment.
Production recovery, upstream investment, export capacity, energy security, foreign exchange earnings, fiscal revenues, infrastructure resilience, operational efficiency, production quotas, market share, regional leadership, capital inflows, regulatory reforms, gas monetisation, pipeline integrity, industrial expansion, sustainable growth, geopolitical stability.
Outlook for Nigeria Crude Oil Production
The January rebound reinforces cautious optimism around Nigeria crude oil production. Sustained security interventions, infrastructure upgrades, and regional energy cooperation could support further gains.
If reform momentum continues, Nigeria crude oil production may strengthen its contribution to fiscal stability and solidify the country’s leadership within OPEC and Africa’s energy landscape.
