By Testimony Faleye
Nigeria has recorded its highest crude oil production level in more than six years after surpassing its production quota set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Latest figures released on Sunday by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) revealed that the country’s combined crude oil and condensate output averaged 1.735 million barrels per day (bpd) in June 2026, marking the fourth straight month of production growth.
According to the report, crude oil accounted for 1.56 million bpd, while condensate production contributed approximately 180,000 bpd. The crude oil output exceeded Nigeria’s OPEC allocation of 1.5 million bpd, representing about 104 per cent of the country’s quota and its strongest crude production performance since April 2020.
The commission also disclosed that production peaked at 1.89 million bpd during the month, reinforcing expectations that Nigeria could soon achieve the long-anticipated 2 million bpd production milestone.
Data from the regulator showed a consistent upward production trend in recent months. Combined output increased from 1.483 million bpd in February to 1.546 million bpd in March, climbed further to 1.663 million bpd in April, rose to 1.700 million bpd in May, and reached 1.735 million bpd in June. This represents a 2.2 per cent increase compared with the previous month.
The NUPRC attributed the improved performance to enhanced operational stability, better crude evacuation processes and the absence of major pipeline disruptions during the review period. Although some facilities experienced routine maintenance and minor shutdowns, these were effectively managed without materially affecting overall production.
Among the country’s export terminals, Bonny Terminal recorded the highest output at 318,280 bpd, improving from 293,880 bpd in May. Forcados Terminal followed with 306,360 bpd, up from 289,900 bpd in the previous month.
Meanwhile, Qua Iboe Terminal produced 164,730 bpd, reflecting a slight decline from May’s 173,360 bpd. Escravos Terminal increased production to 138,030 bpd from 135,470 bpd, while Bonga Terminal posted 103,660 bpd, marginally higher than the 102,540 bpd recorded in May.
The commission noted that the sustained improvement in output demonstrates the collective efforts of operators and industry stakeholders to strengthen operational efficiency, maintain critical infrastructure and ensure reliable production across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.
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