Nigeria recorded its highest monthly crude oil production in more than six years during June 2026, reflecting sustained improvements in operational performance across the country’s upstream petroleum sector. Official figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission show that Africa’s largest oil producer pumped an average of 1.56 million barrels of crude oil per day during the month, marking the strongest monthly performance since April 2020.
The latest production level exceeded Nigeria’s production allocation under the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries by approximately four percent. The increase also signals continued momentum in the country’s efforts to restore production capacity after several years during which output was constrained by pipeline disruptions, crude theft, operational challenges and underinvestment.
When condensates, which are not subject to OPEC production quotas, are included, Nigeria’s total liquid hydrocarbons production averaged 1.735 million barrels per day in June, compared with 1.700 million barrels per day in May. This represents the fourth consecutive month of production growth and a monthly increase of approximately 2.2 percent.
According to the regulator, stable operations across producing assets together with the absence of significant pipeline outages contributed to higher production uptime and improved crude evacuation during the reporting period. These operational improvements have enabled producers to sustain output while reducing disruptions that have historically affected the country’s oil industry.
The June figures continue an upward production trajectory observed throughout 2026. Official data indicate that Nigeria produced an average of 1.483 million barrels per day of crude oil in February before increasing to 1.546 million barrels in March. Total liquids production, including condensates, subsequently rose to 1.663 million barrels per day in April, 1.700 million barrels in May and 1.735 million barrels in June.
As one of Africa’s leading hydrocarbon producers, Nigeria’s production performance remains significant for regional energy markets and public finances. The oil and gas sector continues to provide a substantial share of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings while also influencing investment across related industries throughout the continent.
The sustained recovery in output comes as African energy producers continue to balance domestic development priorities with evolving global energy market conditions. For Nigeria, maintaining production stability while improving infrastructure resilience and attracting long term investment remains central to maximising the value of its natural resources and supporting broader economic growth.
Official production data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission will continue to provide an important measure of the country’s progress in strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of one of Africa’s most strategically significant energy sectors.
