By: ThinkBusiness Africa
NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL), the upstream subsidiary of the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has achieved a major milestone in the country’s oil sector recovery, hitting a daily crude oil production of 355,000 barrels per day (bpd). NNPC said in a statement on Tuesday.
NNPC said the record output was achieved on December 1, 2025, marking the highest daily production level recorded by NEPL since 1989, underscoring a significant operational turnaround following years of volatility in the Nigerian upstream sector, that has seen oil production plummeted from peak 2.4 million bpd in 2005 to 1.5 million bpd in 2025.
Since that peak, production has suffered significant declines due to factors like pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The achievement is being presented as proof that Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize and boost its oil economy are succeeding. According to the company, NEPL’s average daily production surged by 52% over the last two years, rising from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025.
This sustained growth is crucial for meeting Nigeria’s ambitious national goals of reaching 2 million bpd by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030.
“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established.” Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited said in the statement.
Oil revenue accounts for an estimated 50 % to 75% of the Federal Government’s budgetary revenue; in the 2025 national budget it contributes 56%, generating approximately 70% to 95% of the West African country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The 355,000 bpd figure translates directly into enhanced national fiscal strength. When benchmarked against Nigeria’s total crude production, which recently stood around 1.401 million bpd (crude only), NEPL’s peak output accounts for approximately 25.3% of the country’s total volume.
“For Nigerians, this accomplishment means far more than increased barrels; it translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation.” Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director, NEPL said.
As of December 2025 the price for Nigeria’s Bonny Light Crude Oil was reported at $65.77 per barrel.
