Nigeria’s crude oil output surged to a 74-month peak last month, with officials reporting an average of 1.56 million barrels daily. This figure surpasses the country’s OPEC quota by four percent. The nation, which ranks as Africa’s top oil producer, has bolstered its output by intensifying efforts against theft and employing former militants to guard critical pipeline infrastructure.
As international oil companies pivot toward offshore operations to avoid the environmental controversies associated with the Niger Delta, local businesses have assumed control of abandoned onshore sites. The Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission noted that consistent operations and a lack of significant pipeline disruptions contributed to these gains. When accounting for condensates, total production reached 1.74 million barrels per day throughout June. Despite these achievements, the government remains committed to its long-term target of two million barrels daily. These latest figures represent the most significant crude production levels observed since April 2020, suggesting a recovery despite ongoing historical struggles with theft and mismanagement.
