Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to 1.459 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2026, according to data submitted to OPEC and published in the February Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR).
The January figure marked an increase of 37,000 bpd from December 2025, which recorded 1.422 million bpd, and also rebounded from November’s 1.420 million bpd.
OPEC data shows Nigeria averaged 1.345 million bpd in 2024, rising to 1.453 million bpd in 2025, reflecting gradual recovery in upstream operations amid infrastructure and security challenges.
The 37,000 bpd increase was among the most notable adjustments among OPEC members for January, placing Nigeria behind only Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, and Kuwait in reported output.
Saudi Arabia raised production by 16,000 bpd to 10.1 million bpd, Iraq increased by 16,000 bpd to 4.097 million bpd, and the UAE added 10,000 bpd to reach 3.383 million bpd.
Libya’s output rose by 6,000 bpd, while Algeria trimmed 1,000 bpd and Congo reduced production by 6,000 bpd.
Equatorial Guinea and Gabon remained the smallest producers in the group.
Despite previous setbacks from crude theft and security issues in the Niger Delta, Nigeria retained its position as Africa’s leading oil producer in OPEC, ahead of Libya, Algeria, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.
The production gains are attributed to enhanced pipeline surveillance, clampdowns on oil theft, and gradual reactivation of previously shut-in wells across the country.
Meanwhile, NNPC Group CEO Bayo Ojulari highlighted regional collaboration as central to Africa’s energy future during the 2026 International Energy Week in London.
Ojulari pointed to the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline and West African Gas Pipeline expansion as critical projects to strengthen cross-border energy trade and infrastructure resilience.
He stressed the need for harmonised pricing frameworks, transit protocols, local content standards, and joint technical regulations to attract investment and protect shared energy assets.
Ojulari also called for structured joint investment platforms among African National Oil Companies, noting collective action could improve capital deployment and regional integration.
On Nigeria’s national strategy, he emphasised plans to boost oil production, scale up gas for industrialization, enhance environmental accountability, and align with global decarbonization goals.
The International Energy Week convenes global policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to shape discussions on energy security, sustainable financing, and transition pathways.
