NNPC E&P Smashes 36-Year Record, Ramps Output to 355,000 bpd in Bold Push for National Oil Revival

|By Babatunji Wusu

Nigeria’s crude production drive gained fresh momentum as NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) surged to a record 355,000 barrels per day—its highest output since 1989. The breakthrough, confirmed by Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, signals what he described as “a clear and accelerating revival, not a projection.”

NEPL’s rebound marks a decisive turnaround in the sector. Daily crude output climbed by 52 percent, rising from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025, before hitting the historic 355,000 bpd milestone. Ojulari stressed that the feat proves the nation is building solid production systems, not merely setting targets.

“By surpassing its own benchmarks, NEPL has shown that the core foundations for scaling national output are now being solidly built,” he said, emphasising stronger equipment performance, disciplined partnerships, and operational efficiency.

Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, underscored that the achievement is not just about numbers but accountability.

Ntia noted that while some operators chase short-term profits, NEPL is deliberately advancing with responsible and sustainable operations, ensuring increased production does not jeopardise community safety, worker welfare, or environmental protection.

He said the shift represents a departure from “extraction at any cost” to sustainable value creation, a standard he insisted is now essential for any globally competitive energy company.

Nigeria is targeting 2.5 million barrels per day by 2026, with NEPL’s record output reinforcing optimism that the country can hit its national production ambition.