Nigeria’s crude oil sector recorded a notable rebound in May 2026, with production climbing to its highest level in 11 months and surpassing its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.
The country’s output reached 102 per cent of its allocated 1.5 million barrels per day benchmark, signalling improved stability in upstream operations and a gradual strengthening of its oil production capacity.
Production rises to 1.7 million barrels per day
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), released on Thursday, showed that Nigeria produced an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day in May 2026. When combined with 170,446 barrels per day of condensates, total output stood at approximately 1,700,800 barrels daily.
The commission noted that production fluctuated within the month, ranging between 1.51 million barrels per day at its lowest point and 1.86 million barrels per day at peak levels.
It also highlighted that the May figure represents the strongest performance since July 2025, when output hit 1,712,282 barrels per day.
“In strict crude oil terms (excluding condensates), the 1.53 million barrels recorded in May 2026 represents the highest Nigeria has witnessed since January 2025 when crude oil production hit 1.538mbpd,” the report stated.
The NUPRC further observed that “the latest crude oil production statistics thus represents a 15-month high,” adding that output rose by 2.77 per cent compared to April’s 1.48 million barrels per day.
Steady monthly growth signals recovery trend
The report showed a consistent upward trajectory over the past five months, with combined crude and condensate production rising from 1.48 million barrels per day in February to 1.54 million in March, 1.66 million in April, and 1.7 million in May.
This pattern, according to the commission, reflects sustained operational improvements across key oil fields and terminals, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.
Key terminals drive output gains
Production performance across major export terminals played a significant role in the overall increase. Bonny Terminal led with 293,870 barrels per day, followed closely by Forcados Terminal at 289,900 barrels per day. Qua Iboe Terminal recorded 173,360 barrels per day, while Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 barrels per day. The Odudu (Amenam Blend) rounded out the top five with 63,250 barrels per day.
Operational stability boosts performance
The NUPRC attributed the improved output to relatively stable operations throughout the review period. According to the report, there were no significant pipeline disruptions or facility shutdowns during the month.
It also noted that previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities had been completed, helping to improve efficiency and ensure uninterrupted production.
With this performance, Nigeria’s oil sector appears to be entering a phase of cautious recovery, driven by operational stability and improved field output consistency.