KEY POINTS
- Nigeria’s crude output rose 2.8% to 1.53 million bpd in May 2026, its highest level in nearly a year, according to Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
- The country surpassed its OPEC production quota for the first time since mid-2025, strengthening its position as Africa’s top oil producer.
- Despite the recovery, output still falls short of Nigeria’s long-term target of 2.6 million bpd, with security and investment gaps remaining key challenges.
Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to an average of 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2026, marking a 2.8% increase from April’s 1.489 million bpd, according to the latest monthly report from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
The output gain of about 41,000 bpd represents Nigeria’s strongest monthly performance in nearly a year and signals a gradual recovery in upstream oil operations.
First Time Above OPEC Production Quota Since Mid-2025
The report showed that Nigeria’s May production exceeded its assigned OPEC quota, making it the first time since mid-2025 that the country has produced above its target level.
Within the broader Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), total crude output averaged 33.13 million bpd in May, reflecting a slight decline of about 190,000 bpd compared to April, even as Nigeria posted one of the strongest individual gains among member countries.
OPEC’s figures are compiled using a mix of secondary sources, including industry intelligence and direct submissions from member states.
With the latest increase, Nigeria remains Africa’s largest crude oil producer, ahead of Libya (1.30 million bpd), Algeria (982,000 bpd), Republic of the Congo (283,000 bpd), and Gabon (210,000 bpd).
The improvement reflects ongoing efforts to stabilise production through enhanced security in oil-producing areas, gradual recovery of disrupted assets, and renewed upstream investment activity, particularly across the Niger Delta region.
