Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production increased to 1.530 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2026, according to the latest Monthly Oil Market Report released by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The figure represents an increase of 41,000 bpd from the 1.489 million bpd recorded in April, reflecting a month-on-month growth of approximately 2.8%.
The latest output level also marks Nigeria’s first return above its OPEC production quota since mid-2025, providing a positive signal for the country’s oil revenue outlook.
OPEC noted that the increase in Nigeria’s production came despite a broader decline in output among members of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC). The development further strengthens Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest crude oil producer and highlights ongoing improvements in domestic oil production.
According to the report, total DoC crude oil production averaged 33.13 million bpd in May, representing a decline of 0.19 million bpd compared to the previous month. Against this backdrop, Nigeria emerged as one of the few producers to record higher output during the period.
The cartel’s production estimates are based on secondary sources, including energy intelligence platforms, as well as direct communications from member countries.
The latest production level places Nigeria above its assigned OPEC production target, underscoring continued progress in efforts to boost crude oil output and improve the sector’s contribution to government revenues and foreign exchange earnings.
