Nigeria's crude oil production has climbed to 1.8 million barrels per day, marking an increase of 600,000 barrels from the previous level of 1.2 million barrels daily, according to Punch.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Ojulari, shared the development on Tuesday at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference held in the United Arab Emirates. Speaking during an energy session, Ojulari explained that the rise stems from the Petroleum Industry Act, better investment conditions, and stronger ties with industry partners.
A press statement from NNPC's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, confirmed that the jump in output puts Nigeria in a better position to draw global energy investment. Ojulari noted that the current volume is an important milestone on the path to reaching a target of two million barrels per day by 2027.
The state oil firm is concentrating on protecting base operations, repairing essential infrastructure, and pushing forward with new projects to hit that mark. The country has faced years of production slumps tied to pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and underinvestment, which often left it short of its OPEC production targets.
Ojulari stated that the company's board and leadership remain focused on fulfilling the mandate handed down by President Bola Tinubu. He noted that an asset assessment has given the firm a clearer view of its network and what needs fixing.
Beyond crude, Ojulari detailed developments in domestic gas following the end of the petrol subsidy. Over 400 compressed natural gas conversion centres have been set up nationwide, while more than 1,000 fuel delivery trucks now run on gas.
He also revealed that the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline was finished in August 2026. Meanwhile, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano line should start supplying gas to Abuja before the end of the year to power industries, data centres, and electricity grids. NNPC wants national gas output to reach 10 billion standard cubic feet daily by 2027.
