Nigeria has met its OPEC oil production quota for six consecutive months. This comes despite a slight decline in October output.
Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) shows that Nigeria produced 1.51 million barrels of crude oil daily in October 2026.
The figure represents about 101 per cent of its OPEC allocation of 1.5 million barrels per day.
However, October production declined from 1.53 million barrels recorded in September. This represents a drop of about 1.7 per cent.
Meanwhile, combined crude oil and condensate production averaged 1,687,710 barrels daily. Daily output ranged between 1.60 million and 1.79 million barrels.
The October performance extends Nigeria’s production recovery, which started in May 2026.
Production figures show that Nigeria recorded 1.53 million barrels daily in May. Output increased to 1.55 million barrels in June.
However, production dropped to 1.51 million barrels in July. It later stood at 1.50 million barrels in August.
Nigeria recorded another increase in September, producing 1.53 million barrels daily. October output then declined slightly to 1.51 million barrels.
The achievement is significant for Nigeria’s oil industry. The sector has struggled with crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and operational disruptions.
These challenges have affected production levels and government revenue over the years.
A breakdown of production by terminals shows that Forcados recorded the highest output in October.
The terminal produced an average of 318,490 barrels daily. Bonny Terminal followed with 311,020 barrels.
Qua Iboe recorded 173,970 barrels per day. Escravos contributed 134,670 barrels, while Bonga produced 106,650 barrels daily.
These figures highlight the contribution of major terminals to Nigeria’s oil production.
Improved operational efficiency and crude evacuation remain important to sustaining output.
Nigeria’s production outlook could improve further before the end of 2026.
The Dangote Group has projected that crude oil production could reach 1.72 million barrels daily in the fourth quarter.
It also expects average production to reach 1.62 million barrels per day for the full year.
However, these figures remain projections rather than confirmed production results.
Meanwhile, OPEC has lowered its 2026 global oil demand growth forecast. The organisation reduced its projection from 1.4 million barrels daily to 400,000 barrels.
For Nigeria, maintaining production above its OPEC allocation remains important. Higher output could strengthen government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
However, the country must address persistent operational challenges. It must also protect critical oil infrastructure to sustain production growth.
