Nigeria’s crude oil production has climbed to 1.71 million barrels per day, marking its highest level in five years, according to NNPC Limited.
The figure, covering the period between April 2025 and April 2026, was disclosed in the company’s one-year mandate report released by Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari. The report also showed that NNPC Exploration and Production Limited recorded a peak daily output of 565,000 barrels in December 2025, the highest in its history.
Beyond crude production, the company reported progress in gas development and infrastructure. It completed the River Niger crossing segment of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline and finalised welding of the entire pipeline in July 2025. Key gas projects, including the Assa North-Ohaji South processing plant and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline connection, have also been commissioned.
Gas supply was maintained at 7.5 billion standard cubic feet per day in 2025, supported by new supply agreements with major industrial users such as Dangote Cement and Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, as well as compressed natural gas projects.
In January 2026, the company launched a Gas Master Plan and signed a tripartite agreement with China Gas Holdings Ltd and Peiyang Chemical Singapore to expand gas utilisation.
On refining and partnerships, NNPC said it consolidated a 7.25 percent equity stake in the Dangote refinery to safeguard national interests. It also adopted an incorporated joint venture model for its refineries, allowing them to operate independently and secure financing.
The company reported progress on upstream contracts, including the execution of a new production sharing agreement for PPL 2000 and 2001, which includes provisions for deepwater gas development. It also secured presidential approval for incentives to support the Bonga South-West Aparo project.
Regarding the long-standing OPL 245 dispute, NNPC said it has been resolved, leading to the conversion of the asset into a new production-sharing framework covering multiple petroleum mining and prospecting licences.
In addition, the company expanded its international partnerships, entering shipping agreements with Stena Bulk and Sonangol, while introducing a new crude grade, Cawthorne, and extending its lubricant brand across West Africa.
The report also highlighted internal reforms, including the reinstatement of monthly performance reporting, the company’s first earnings call in November 2025, and the resumption of regular remittances to the federation account from July 2025.
Other initiatives include the recruitment of 1,000 new employees, the rollout of a performance management system, and the launch of a diversity programme aimed at increasing female participation within the organisation.
