NNPC E&P Sets 36-Year Production Record With 355,000bpd Output

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s upstream arm, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has achieved its highest crude oil output in more than three decades after hitting 355,000 barrels per day on December 1, 2025.

The production figure, which stands as the company’s strongest performance since 1989, was confirmed by NNPC Limited on Tuesday and is being viewed within the industry as a major boost for Nigeria’s ongoing effort to restore stability to its oil sector.

Data released by the company shows that NNPC E&P’s output has risen sharply over the last two years, climbing from an average of 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels in 2025—a 52 per cent increase attributed to improved operational systems, tighter asset management and a structured approach to field development.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the record output as evidence that the country’s energy revival “is already happening,” noting that the performance demonstrates the company’s growing discipline and technical readiness to scale production.

Ojulari said the milestone provides renewed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to meet its medium-term production targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels by 2030, previously considered overly ambitious. He added that surpassing internal benchmarks signals that the organisation now has the capability to drive equipment, processes, partnerships and manpower with stronger commercial discipline.

The Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, noted that the achievement reflects deeper structural changes across NNPC E&P. He explained that the company’s strategy is anchored on long-term sustainability, emphasising responsible operations that protect workers, host communities and the environment while raising output.

Managing Director of the subsidiary, Nicolas Foucart, said the breakthrough mirrors wider improvements across NNPC Limited, crediting strategic leadership, stronger partner alignment and a highly committed workforce for the performance. According to him, the impact of the achievement extends beyond statistics, as higher production is expected to strengthen national revenues, improve energy security and support broader economic resilience.

Nigeria’s oil industry has faced significant challenges in the past decade, including vandalism, crude theft, underinvestment and declining output from mature fields. Production often fell below OPEC quotas between 2021 and 2023, raising concerns about revenue losses and long-term sector viability. Recent reforms and NNPC’s transition into a fully commercial entity are intended to reverse the decline.

With its December 1 output marking its highest production level since 1989, NNPC E&P is positioning itself as a key driver of Nigeria’s upstream recovery and a central force in efforts to stabilise and grow national crude production.