Nigeria has recently surpassed its crude oil production quota set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
According to data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), this was achieved in May 2026 with average crude output of 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) versus its OPEC-assigned 1.5 million bpd quota.
If condensates are added, the country’s total hydrocarbon output in May was some 1.7 million bpd, which is 13% above its OPEC quota.
Minus condensates, this is Nigeria’s highest crude production level in the last 15 months, and it clearly positions the country as Africa’s largest oil producer.
Oil industry experts and stakeholders credit the following factors for the country’s significant increase in crude output:
Better surveillance of infrastructure.
Improved pipeline security.
Improved operational efficiency in the upstream sector.
Stability in the Niger Delta.
The latest figures will boost oil revenue and bolster confidence in ongoing drives to raise crude production capacity, which was previously constrained by theft, pipeline vandalism and operational challenges.
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