Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Production Allocation for Fourth Straight Month

Nigeria’s crude oil industry extended its recovery in June 2026 as the country produced above its crude oil production allocation set by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the fourth consecutive month.

According to the latest production data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), average crude oil production reached 1.56 million barrels per day (mbpd) during June, exceeding Nigeria’s OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day.

When condensate production of about 0.18 million barrels per day is included, total liquids output averaged approximately 1.74 million barrels per day.

The latest figures represent Nigeria’s strongest crude oil production performance since April 2020 and reinforce the country’s steady production recovery following years of disruptions linked to crude theft, pipeline vandalism and operational challenges.

Nigeria’s oil production has followed a consistent upward trajectory in recent months. Total crude oil and condensate production increased from about 1.48 million barrels per day in February to approximately 1.56 million in March, 1.66 million in April, 1.70 million in May and 1.74 million barrels per day in June.

The steady increase highlights growing stability across the country’s oil-producing assets as operators continue efforts to improve production efficiency and reduce operational downtime.

Industry observers note that maintaining production above Nigeria’s OPEC allocation for four straight months represents a significant improvement compared to previous years when output frequently fell below the country’s assigned quota.

The NUPRC attributed the improved production levels largely to more reliable operations across major producing assets and fewer interruptions affecting crude transportation infrastructure.

According to the commission, stronger production uptime and improved crude evacuation helped sustain higher output throughout the month. While some facilities experienced routine maintenance and temporary shutdowns, their overall effect on national production remained limited.

The regulator also noted that scheduled maintenance programmes were completed without causing significant disruptions to overall production activities.

Among Nigeria’s export terminals, Bonny remained the country’s largest crude oil loading terminal during June, recording the highest average daily production.

Forcados also posted stronger production compared to the previous month, while Escravos registered modest growth.

Output at Qua Iboe declined slightly during the period, whereas production from the Bonga terminal remained broadly stable.

The varying performance across export terminals reflects normal operational conditions as operators continue maintenance programmes while seeking to maximise production efficiency.

Higher crude oil production is expected to support Nigeria’s export earnings and strengthen foreign exchange inflows at a time when the government is seeking to improve fiscal revenues and attract additional investment into the petroleum industry.

Sustained production growth also enhances Nigeria’s ability to benefit from international crude oil demand while improving government revenue through oil exports.

The improvement follows ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, security agencies and industry operators to curb crude oil theft, protect critical infrastructure and enhance collaboration across the upstream petroleum sector.

Nigeria has repeatedly stated its ambition to increase crude oil production to two million barrels per day over the medium term.