NNPC unit hits highest oil output since 1989 at 355,000 bpd

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) says its upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), has reached its highest daily crude production in more than three decades, hitting 355,000 barrels per day on 1 December.

NNPC spokesperson Andy Odeh said in a statement on Tuesday that the output marks NEPL’s strongest performance since 1989 and represents a major step forward for Nigeria’s oil industry.

According to the company, average daily production has risen by 52 per cent in two years, climbing from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 in 2025. NNPC attributed the gains to a strategy centred on operational efficiency, asset optimisation and structured field development.

The state-owned firm said NEPL’s performance demonstrates that Nigeria’s upstream sector can recover from years of volatility when backed by strong leadership and disciplined operations. It added that the record output brings national targets of producing 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030 closer to reach.

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Group chief executive Bayo Ojulari said the latest milestone shows that Nigeria’s “energy revival is no longer just a vision, but underway”.

“By exceeding its own benchmarks, NEPL has shown that the foundations for scaling national output are being firmly established,” Ojulari said. “It signals that equipment, processes, capabilities and partnerships can be aligned with commercial discipline to deliver real results.”

Ojulari said the achievement strengthens confidence among domestic and international investors, adding that Nigeria remains committed to its role as a reliable energy supplier.

Udy Ntia, NNPC’s executive vice-president for upstream, said the milestone reflects more than headline production numbers. “In a sector where shortcuts may deliver short-term gains but long-term damage, NEPL is demonstrating that sustainable progress depends on responsible operations,” he said, noting the importance of safety, community welfare and environmental standards.

NEPL managing director Nicolas Foucart said the record output mirrors the wider transformation underway within NNPC.

“This is a story defined by clear leadership, aligned partnerships and a workforce turning goals into measurable progress,” Foucart said. He added that the company’s efforts have not only raised hydrocarbon production but also renewed confidence in the sector’s potential “when driven by the right systems, culture and dedication.”

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

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