The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says it is on course to raise Nigeria’s crude oil output to 1.8 million barrels per day before the end of 2025, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s energy output trajectory.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Sunday night after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bashir Ojulari, said the company had made remarkable progress in both oil and gas production, recording some of its highest output figures in recent years.
According to him, NNPCL’s oil output has climbed to approximately 1.68 million barrels per day in September, representing the highest level in five years, while daily gas production exceeded seven billion cubic feet — a figure described as one of the most stable in recent times.
Nigeria’s Energy Outlook Strengthens as NNPCL Crude Oil Output Rises
Ojulari emphasized that the company’s current performance reflects its strategic turnaround efforts and the strong policy backing of the Tinubu administration, which has placed crude oil recovery and energy diversification at the heart of its economic reforms.
“Mr President gave us a very clear mandate to grow production to at least two million barrels per day by 2027 and to hit three million barrels per day by 2030, while also boosting gas output,” the NNPCL boss said.
He added that with recent maintenance activities completed across major facilities in August and September, NNPCL crude oil production is expected to rise steadily to 1.8 million barrels per day before year-end, provided the current level of operational stability continues.
“This target is not just ambitious; it’s achievable given our progress so far,” he stated confidently.
Industrial Dispute Temporarily Affected Oil Output
Ojulari also addressed the recent industrial action between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which disrupted output levels across the industry.
He explained that the brief strike resulted in the deferment of about 200,000 barrels of daily crude production and caused disruptions to 1,200 megawatts of power generation.
“It was quite unfortunate that the dispute led to production losses and affected electricity supply. Whenever critical personnel managing key facilities are unavailable, output naturally suffers,” Ojulari said.
He, however, commended the swift intervention of the Federal Government, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who facilitated a resolution between the warring parties.
“Thanks to the government’s prompt action, the strike was called off, and most of the deferred production has been restored,” he confirmed, adding that NNPCL crude oil production is gradually returning to pre-strike levels.
Output Recovery and Gas Development Remain Top Priorities
Ojulari disclosed that NNPCL is working to sustain oil production growth while accelerating investments in gas infrastructure and alternative energy. According to him, the company’s recovery strategy includes aggressive field rehabilitation, renewed security partnerships, and closer engagement with international oil companies.
He said: “Since the resolution of the industrial action, we’ve restored a significant portion of the lost production. There are still minor adjustments ongoing, but overall, we are back on track.”
Speaking on the rise in cooking gas prices, Ojulari described the situation as temporary and largely artificial, attributing it to short-term disruptions in loading and distribution during the strike.
“The price hike you noticed was caused by delays in product movement. Once operations normalized, prices began to stabilize. We expect a return to pre-strike levels soon,” he assured.
Commitment to Production Stability and Energy Expansion
NNPCL’s push to increase crude oil output aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to meeting its OPEC quota and strengthening foreign exchange earnings. With production now edging closer to 1.7 million barrels daily, the company’s focus is to ensure consistency and minimize disruptions.
Industry analysts note that achieving 1.8 million barrels per day would significantly boost government revenues, reduce Nigeria’s budget deficits, and support the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilize the naira through improved dollar inflows.
Ojulari reaffirmed NNPCL’s dedication to transparency and efficiency, adding that the company’s ongoing transformation is driven by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates better governance and profitability.
“We are building an integrated energy company that will compete globally, not just in crude but also in gas, renewables, and petrochemicals. The 1.8 million target is part of a broader vision for energy independence and economic growth,” he said.
With global oil demand expected to strengthen in the coming quarters, experts believe Nigeria is well-positioned to benefit from rising prices, especially if NNPCL crude oil production continues its upward trajectory.
The company’s ability to sustain output levels amid operational and industrial challenges is being seen as a major milestone for the administration’s economic renewal agenda.
For many observers, NNPCL’s renewed momentum reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s energy strategy — one that prioritizes self-sufficiency, transparency, and value-driven investments.
If the current pace is maintained, Nigeria may not only hit the 1.8 million barrels per day milestone before December but also set a new benchmark for sustainable crude oil growth going into 2026.
