By Olayiwola Mercy
NNPC Exploration & Production (NNPC E&P) logged a record‑breaking 355,000 barrels per day on December 1, 2025 – the highest single‑day output the company has posted since 1989. That figure lifts the upstream arm’s average for the year to roughly 312,000 bpd, a dramatic climb from the 203,000 bpd it averaged in 2023.
The surge represents a 52 % jump in just two years, underscoring how quickly the business has rebounded after a period of under‑investment and operational hiccups. Analysts point to a combination of better reservoir management, the commissioning of several new wells in the Niger Delta, and a steadier flow of crude from mature fields that were previously under‑performing.
Company executives attribute the turnaround to a renewed focus on “operational excellence.” NNPC E&P’s leadership says they’ve tightened well‑intervention schedules, reduced downtime through predictive maintenance, and accelerated the rollout of enhanced oil recovery techniques that squeeze extra barrels out of existing assets.
Group CEO Bayo Ojulari, EVP Upstream Udy Ntia, and MD Nicolas Foucart all stressed that the growth isn’t just about numbers; they’re pushing for sustainable, responsible production that safeguards workers, communities and the environment. The firm has pledged to meet international safety standards and to keep methane emissions in check as it ramps up output.
The milestone also lines up neatly with the federal government’s ambitious targets: 2 million bpd by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030. Investors have reacted positively, with NNPC’s stock gaining traction on the back of the news, and the broader market interpreting the record as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s energy revival.
If the trend holds, the record could signal a turning point for the nation’s oil sector, potentially easing pressure on the economy and providing more revenue for infrastructure and social programmes. Still, the challenge will be to sustain the momentum while navigating geopolitical risks, environmental concerns, and the ongoing transition toward cleaner energy sources.
