Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to its highest level since April 2020 in June, exceeding its production quota under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the fourth consecutive month, according to the country’s upstream regulator.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said crude oil production averaged 1.56 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, up from 1.53 million bpd in May. Total oil output, including condensates that are exempt from OPEC quotas, increased to 1.735 million bpd from 1.700 million bpd the previous month.
The June figure represents 104% of Nigeria’s 1.5 million bpd OPEC quota and marks the country’s strongest monthly crude production in 74 months. The regulator attributed the increase to stable operations across producing assets, improved pipeline reliability and the absence of major disruptions, allowing producers to sustain higher output levels.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has struggled for years with crude theft, pipeline vandalism and underinvestment, which kept production well below its potential. The latest figures suggest government efforts to improve security around oil infrastructure and restore production are beginning to yield results.
Higher production is expected to strengthen government revenues and foreign exchange earnings, while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic recovery. The improved output also comes as major investments, including new upstream projects, are expected to further boost production capacity in the coming years.
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