Nigeria’s upstream oil sector showed strong performance in August 2025 by meeting 96% of its Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) crude oil production quota, pumping approximately 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd). This achievement marks a 5.5% year-on-year increase in Nigeria’s crude oil output, reflecting the country’s growing alignment with international production targets and its resilience in the face of operational challenges.

According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria’s combined output of crude oil and condensates averaged 1.63 million bpd in August 2025, up from 1.58 million bpd in the same period last year. Within this figure, crude oil production alone was about 1.43 million bpd, corresponding to 96% of Nigeria’s OPEC quota set at 1.5 million bpd. This data underscores a steady recovery and improved operational performance across Nigeria’s key oil-producing terminals.

Despite the gains, there was a slight month-on-month decline. In July 2025, Nigeria’s output was higher at around 1.71 million bpd for crude and condensates combined. The NUPRC attributed this drop of about 4.7% in August mainly to a one-day unscheduled maintenance shutdown at a key oil facility. The combined crude oil and condensate production during August fluctuated between a low of 1.59 million bpd and a peak of 1.85 million bpd, illustrating some volatility in daily operations.

Major oil terminals played significant roles in sustaining Nigeria’s production levels. The Forcados Terminal led the output with approximately 8.99 million barrels throughout August, comprising 8.08 million barrels of crude oil and 915,200 barrels of condensates. Other important contributors included Bonny Terminal with 6.26 million barrels, Qua Iboe Terminal producing about 4.99 million barrels, and Escravos Oil Terminal contributing 4.18 million barrels in the period.

Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Strategic Communications at NUPRC, highlighted the sector’s steady recovery and operational improvements. “Nigeria’s upstream oil sector recorded a year-on-year increase in output, demonstrating the country’s capability to meet both domestic and OPEC production benchmarks,” Akinkuotu said. She noted that while condensate production slightly declined to around 197,229 bpd from 220,435 bpd in August 2024, crude oil output remained robust enough to ensure compliance with OPEC guidelines.

The increase in production is significant for Nigeria’s economy, which heavily depends on oil revenues. Meeting 96% of the OPEC quota signals Nigeria’s improved capability to stabilize production amid global oil market uncertainties and internal operational challenges. This balance helps Nigeria maintain credibility with OPEC and sustain crucial export earnings.

Looking ahead, the Nigerian oil sector aims to continue optimizing operational efficiencies and minimizing disruptions to further align with OPEC targets and boost production levels. As global energy markets remain volatile, Nigeria’s ability to manage production effectively will be vital for economic stability and its role as a leading African oil producer.

In summary, Nigeria’s performance in August 2025 demonstrates cautious but steady upstream sector growth, meeting nearly all its OPEC crude oil production quota amidst minor setbacks. The focus remains on leveraging technological improvements and regulatory oversight to enhance output consistency and support national economic priorities.

This recent data from NUPRC provides important insight for policymakers, investors, and market watchers monitoring Nigeria’s oil industry dynamics and international commitments.