Nigeria’s oil production surged to a six-month high in July 2025, averaging 1.71 million barrels per day (bpd), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported on Thursday.
This marks a 9.9 per cent year-on-year increase, signalling strong progress toward the country’s fiscal and OPEC-aligned production goals.
According to the NUPRC, the total daily output comprises 1.507 million bpd of crude oil and 204,864 bpd of condensates, reflecting a steady rise from 1.69 million bpd in June 2025 and a notable improvement over 1.56 million bpd in July 2024.
The increase has been attributed to a combination of enhanced security measures, strategic regulatory interventions, and improved operational efficiencies across Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.
Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating, “Even though Nigeria’s oil production has hit a six-month high with over 1.7 million barrels being produced daily, we are still exploring ways to expand the frontiers of energy production. Our commitment is to create a secure, investor-friendly environment that promotes sustainable growth.”
During a strategic meeting at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, Komolafe hosted Nicolas Terraz, President of Exploration and Production at Total Energies, and his team, reinforcing Nigeria’s message to global investors: the country is open for business.
The discussion focused on encouraging fresh investments and enabling existing players to scale up operations, further consolidating Nigeria’s position as a competitive frontier market.
The NUPRC highlighted that consistent enforcement of a robust regulatory framework has contributed to curbing crude oil theft and enhancing operational security. These measures, combined with active engagement with international oil companies, have reinforced investor confidence and strengthened production performance.
Looking ahead, the government has set an ambitious target of 2.1 million bpd by 2026, a goal increasingly within reach given the current trajectory.
NUPRC reports indicate that several major crude oil terminals performed exceptionally well in July, with Forcados terminal recording 9.04 million barrels and the Bonny terminal posting a 12.7 per cent month-on-month increase in output.
The surge in production also comes against the backdrop of improved infrastructure and logistical support in the Niger Delta region.
Enhanced pipeline monitoring, maritime security, and community engagement programs have collectively mitigated operational disruptions, enabling oil companies to optimise production schedules.
Industry analysts argue that the upward trend in Nigeria’s oil output positions the country strategically within the global energy market, especially as demand for crude stabilises and energy prices remain robust.
With crude and condensate production now surpassing 1.7 million bpd, Nigeria is steadily strengthening its revenue base, ensuring that oil remains a critical contributor to government earnings and economic development.
Beyond production volumes, the NUPRC continues to explore diversification initiatives within the upstream sector, including investments in gas processing, condensate fractionation, and renewable energy-linked projects.
These measures align with the Federal Government’s broader energy transition and sustainability agenda, aimed at balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Engr. Komolafe concluded, “Our strategic interventions are yielding tangible results. By fostering a secure, efficient, and transparent upstream ecosystem, Nigeria is reinforcing its status as a leading oil and gas producer in Africa. The recent production surge is just the beginning of a new chapter for our energy sector.”
As Nigeria ramps up production, the positive momentum is expected to enhance investor confidence, boost foreign exchange inflows, and strengthen the country’s fiscal capacity to fund infrastructure and social programs, solidifying the oil sector’s role as a key driver of national economic growth.