The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector, with its upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), achieving its highest daily crude production in over three decades. On December 1, NEPL recorded an output of 355,000 barrels per day (bpd), a figure not seen since 1989.
This surge in production highlights a robust recovery trajectory for the subsidiary. According to NNPC data, average daily production has climbed by 52 percent over the last two years, rising from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025. The company attributes this consistent growth to a focused strategy emphasizing operational efficiency, asset optimization, and structured field development.
NNPC spokesperson Andy Odeh described the achievement as a major step forward for the Nigerian oil industry, signaling that the sector is rebounding from years of volatility through strong leadership and disciplined operations. The state-owned firm believes this performance brings Nigeria closer to its ambitious national targets of producing 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030.
Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive, stated that this milestone proves Nigeria’s “energy revival is no longer just a vision, but underway.” He emphasized that NEPL’s success demonstrates that aligning equipment, processes, and partnerships with commercial discipline can deliver tangible results. Ojulari noted that such achievements strengthen investor confidence, both domestically and internationally, reaffirming Nigeria’s status as a reliable energy supplier.
Udy Ntia, NNPC’s Executive Vice-President for Upstream, highlighted that the milestone represents sustainable progress rather than short-term gains. He stressed the importance of responsible operations that prioritize safety, community welfare, and environmental standards. Similarly, NEPL Managing Director Nicolas Foucart described the record output as a reflection of the wider transformation within the NNPC, driven by clear leadership and a dedicated workforce.
