Nigeria’s crude oil production has rebounded to approximately 1.84 million barrels per day, signaling a strong recovery in upstream operations and renewed momentum toward higher national output targets.
The update was disclosed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission following a meeting between its leadership and the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
During the engagement, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, praised the improved production levels, describing the development as a positive step in line with the Federal Government’s economic objectives under President Bola Tinubu.
Edun noted that the current output level reflects meaningful progress but stressed the need for sustained growth. He urged the regulator to maintain the upward trajectory and work toward achieving the 2 million barrels per day benchmark, which remains a key national target.
The Chief Executive of the commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, confirmed that production recently reached 1.84mbpd, attributing the recovery to the resolution of earlier operational disruptions and the completion of maintenance activities on critical infrastructure.
She explained that output had dipped in February due to incidents affecting key production facilities as well as scheduled turnaround maintenance. However, with those challenges now addressed, production volumes have rebounded significantly.
Data from the regulator indicates that total crude and condensate output rose sharply from about 1.48mbpd in February to 1.84mbpd in March, reflecting improved field performance and operational stability across the sector.
Eyesan also provided an update on the ongoing 2025 licensing round, noting that the process has advanced to its technical and financial evaluation stage. She expressed confidence that new investments could translate into fresh production within a relatively short timeframe, particularly as indigenous operators continue to demonstrate growing technical capacity.
In addition, the commission reaffirmed its compliance with recent policy directives, including the implementation of Executive Order 9 of 2026. The order mandates the suspension of certain deductions from profit oil and gas revenues, with funds now to be remitted directly to the federation account.
The latest production figures underscore a broader recovery trend in Nigeria’s upstream sector, as authorities intensify efforts to boost output, stabilize infrastructure, and attract investment into the industry.