LAGOS, July 13 – Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to an average of 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd) in June 2026, the country’s highest monthly crude output since April 2020, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
In a statement published on its official X account and reviewed by African Economy Inc., the regulator said Nigeria exceeded its 1.5 million bpd crude oil production quota set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), achieving 104% of its allocated target during the month.
The NUPRC reported that total crude oil and condensate production averaged 1,735,398 barrels per day in June, representing the fourth consecutive month of production growth. The total comprised 1.56 million bpd of crude oil and approximately 180,000 bpd of condensates.
According to the commission, “Nigeria meets 104% of OPEC quota as production soars. Crude oil production rises to a 74-month high.” It added that “Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production soared to an average of 1,735,398 barrels per day in the month of June 2026, representing positive growth for a fourth consecutive month.”
The regulator further noted that “in strict crude oil terms (excluding condensates), the 1.56 million daily average production Nigeria witnessed in June is the highest that Africa’s biggest oil producer has recorded since April 2020, thus representing a 74-month high.”
Production remained relatively strong throughout the month. The NUPRC said combined crude oil and condensate output reached a peak of 1.89 million barrels per day, while the lowest daily production recorded was 1.57 million barrels per day, indicating that Nigeria is moving closer to restoring production levels of 2 million barrels per day.
The latest production figures represent a significant milestone for Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, which has faced years of challenges including pipeline vandalism, crude theft, underinvestment and operational disruptions. Recent government efforts to improve security around oil infrastructure, encourage upstream investment and increase operational efficiency have contributed to the gradual recovery in output.
Sustained production above Nigeria’s OPEC quota could strengthen the country’s export earnings, improve government revenues and support broader fiscal stability at a time when authorities are seeking to increase foreign exchange inflows and boost economic growth.
