The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration & Petroleum Limited (NNPC E&P), the upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has reached a historic production milestone, achieving 355,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) on 1 December 2025. This marks the highest output for the company since 1989 and represents a sharp increase from the 203,000 bpd recorded in 2023, according to a statement released by NNPC on Tuesday.
NNPC E&P attributed the surge to a combination of operational excellence, strategic asset optimisation, and structured field development across its portfolio of oil blocks. The company emphasised that a sustained focus on technical efficiency, proactive maintenance, and improved management practices has driven the notable gains, reflecting a broader reform agenda across Nigeria’s state oil enterprise.
Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Ojulari said the milestone underscores the ongoing energy revival in Nigeria and strengthens the country’s prospects of achieving ambitious medium- and long-term production targets. “This record is not only a testament to the hard work of our teams but also a signal of Nigeria’s capability to meet its oil output targets of 2 million bpd by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030,” Ojulari said. He added that the performance positions the country as a reliable supplier in global energy markets, supporting both investor confidence and strategic energy partnerships.
NNPC executives highlighted that the performance is a direct result of comprehensive reforms implemented across the company in recent years, which have included operational restructuring, greater accountability, and enhanced monitoring of upstream projects. These reforms, according to executives, have contributed to improved capital efficiency and accelerated development of both mature and greenfield assets.
NNPC E&P Managing Director Nicolas Foucart noted that the production gains carry multiple economic benefits for Nigeria. “Higher output translates into stronger revenue streams for the government, improved energy security for domestic consumption, and more sustainable growth for the sector overall,” Foucart said. He explained that increased production enhances Nigeria’s capacity to meet both domestic fuel demand and export commitments, while also creating room for reinvestment in exploration and development activities.
The milestone also has wider macroeconomic implications. Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, relies heavily on petroleum exports to fund government budgets and support foreign exchange reserves. The surge in production is expected to bolster crude earnings, improve fiscal balance, and support the naira through stronger inflows from the sale of crude and petroleum products. Analysts suggest that consistent increases in upstream production could make Nigeria more competitive in global energy markets, helping it reclaim market share lost to regional and international competitors in recent years.
Energy sector observers have also noted that the achievement may attract further foreign investment. With global oil markets recovering from recent volatility, high-output performance by NNPC E&P signals operational reliability and reduces perceived risks for investors seeking exposure to Nigeria’s upstream sector. This could lead to increased joint ventures, technology transfer partnerships, and enhanced financing opportunities for exploration and development projects.
While the milestone is significant, experts caution that sustaining production growth will require continued investment in infrastructure, adoption of advanced extraction technologies, and consistent regulatory support. Environmental sustainability will also remain a key consideration, as higher output must be balanced with efforts to reduce gas flaring and carbon emissions in line with international best practices.
In conclusion, NNPC E&P’s record production of 355,000 bpd represents a major turning point for Nigeria’s upstream sector, highlighting the impact of operational reforms and strategic asset management. Beyond the immediate financial gains, the achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as a dependable energy supplier, strengthens the country’s fiscal and energy security, and sets a foundation for sustained sector growth and increased investor confidence in the years ahead.
