Nigeria has recovered nearly 80 percent of the crude oil production lost during years of pipeline vandalism, theft, and operational disruptions, with output rising to 1.71 million barrels per day (bpd), its highest sustained level in five years.
Data released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) showed that average crude production between April 2025 and April 2026 reached 1.71 million bpd, up sharply from about 960,000 bpd recorded in 2022 at the height of the country’s production crisis.
The rebound represents the restoration of roughly 750,000 bpd of previously lost output, according to an analysis by Discovery Alert, underscoring a significant turnaround in the country’s oil sector.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed the latest production figures in the company’s One-Year Mandate Report Summary, confirming that Nigeria has recorded its strongest sustained oil output since 2021.
Although production has occasionally peaked at 1.84 million bpd, the sustained average of 1.71 million bpd reflects lingering operational disruptions in some producing areas, particularly in the Niger Delta.
Analysts said the recovery has been driven largely by improved security, stronger pipeline surveillance, infrastructure rehabilitation, and tighter operational oversight across key oil-producing corridors.
Years of militant attacks, large-scale crude theft, and pipeline sabotage had previously slashed Nigeria’s production to historic lows, forcing several operators to shut in output and deterring new investment.
The improved security environment has enabled the restart of previously idle facilities, while enhanced pipeline integrity has reduced crude losses and increased export efficiency.
Despite the gains, Nigeria remains below its historical production peak of more than 2 million bpd, indicating further upside if reforms and security improvements are sustained.
Industry observers caution, however, that persistent community tensions, illegal bunkering, and infrastructure vulnerabilities continue to pose risks to long-term stability in the Niger Delta.
Still, the latest figures signal a notable recovery for Africa’s largest oil producer and strengthen expectations of further output growth in the coming years.
