Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to an average of 1.56 million barrels per day in June, its highest monthly level since April 2020.
Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed the country exceeded its OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day by 4%, achieving 104% compliance during the month. Total oil production, including condensates that are exempt from OPEC quotas, averaged 1.735 million barrels per day, up from 1.700 million barrels per day in May.
The increase extended Nigeria’s production recovery to a fourth consecutive month, reinforcing efforts by authorities to restore output after years of disruptions caused by oil theft, pipeline vandalism and underinvestment.
Improved security around critical oil infrastructure and fewer production outages contributed to the stronger performance in June.
The rebound comes as the federal government intensifies efforts to raise oil production to support public finances and increase foreign exchange earnings. Crude oil remains Nigeria’s largest export and a major source of government revenue, making higher production critical to funding the 2026 budget and strengthening external reserves.
Recent investments by international oil companies are also expected to support further production growth. Last week, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission announced that ExxonMobil and its partners would invest $1 billion in the Usan Infill Project, an offshore development expected to add about 40,000 barrels per day to national output once completed.
Despite the improvement, Nigeria continues to produce below the federal government’s longer-term target of more than two million barrels per day. The authorities have maintained that sustained investment, faster project approvals and stronger protection of oil infrastructure will be necessary to close the gap and maximise production capacity.
The stronger output also comes as OPEC+ gradually restores production across member countries following earlier supply cuts. Nigeria’s ability to exceed its quota reflects improved operational performance rather than a relaxation of OPEC limits, positioning the country to benefit from any future increase in production allocations.
For Africa’s largest oil producer, June’s performance marks another sign that reforms in the upstream sector are beginning to yield results. Maintaining the momentum will depend on continued investment, reliable pipeline operations and sustained efforts to curb crude theft, all of which remain essential to securing long-term growth in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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