Nigeria exceeds OPEC oil production quota, hits 15-month high

Nigeria's crude oil production surpassed its Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May 2026, achieving its highest output level in 15 months. The country recorded an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day, which is 102% of its allocated 1.5 million barrels-per-day quota. This performance indicates improved operational stability and a reduction in major disruptions across key oil facilities.

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Nigeria’s oil production witnessed an upswing in May 2026, averaging 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil and 170,446 barrels of condensates per day, bringing the total combined production to 1,700,800 barrels per day and consolidating Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.

When condensate production is included, Nigeria's total oil output climbed to 1,700,800 barrels per day, reinforcing its status as Africa's largest oil producer. Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) shows that the May performance marks the strongest production level in recent months, with combined crude oil and condensate output ranging between 1.51 million and 1.86 million barrels per day throughout the month.

This May output represents Nigeria's highest combined crude oil and condensate production since July 2025, when output reached 1,712,282 barrels per day. In terms of crude oil alone, excluding condensates, the 1.53 million barrels per day is the highest achieved since January 2025. The figures also show a consistent upward trend in the country's oil output over recent months, with a 2.77% increase in crude production from April 2026.

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The average crude oil production recorded during the month of May represents 102 per cent of Nigeria’s 1.5 million barrels-per-day production quota allocated by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The NUPRC attributed the sustained improvements to the country's upstream operations. The commission's Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, confirmed the figures in a statement. This development signals a positive trajectory for Nigeria's oil sector, contributing to its economic output and its standing within the global oil market.

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Production performance during the review period remained robust, with combined crude oil and condensate output ranging between a low of 1.51 million barrels per day and a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day.