Crude pipe lines
By Olayiwola Mercy
Nigeria’s oil production has reached 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd), according to Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This figure is part of the government’s efforts to increase crude oil output through the one million barrels initiative launched in 2024. The initiative aims to raise production from 1.46 million bpd to 2.5 million bpd by 2026 by reactivating dormant fields, fast-tracking regulatory approvals, and improving operational efficiency across the upstream value chain.
The country’s daily oil production currently averages 1.7-1.83 million bpd, with recent figures showing production surpassing 1.8 million bpd in July 2025. This increase is attributed to enhanced security architecture around key oil installations, particularly in the Niger Delta region, and strategic partnerships with security forces and community engagement.
Nigeria’s daily oil production currently averages 1.7-1.83 million bpd. The government aims to increase production to 2-3 million bpd in the near future. Despite progress, critics argue that the benefits of increased oil production have yet to reach the average Nigerian, with many still grappling with fuel scarcity, rising inflation, and chronic unemployment.
The NUPRC is working to sustain the momentum by enhancing security, implementing regulatory reforms, and promoting transparency in the oil and gas sector. The increase in oil production is expected to boost Nigeria’s economy, given that hydrocarbons generate nearly 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and 70% of government revenue. However, the government faces the challenge of ensuring that the revenue generated from oil production translates into economic relief for citizens.
