Nigeria's NNPCL Targets 100,000 bpd Output Increase

Nigeria could increase its oil production by about 100,000 barrels per day in the coming months, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) accelerates efforts to improve capacity and execution across its operations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari told journalists that the country is positioning itself to raise output following a period of operational review and restructuring.

“We are building that capacity,” Ojulari said, adding a note of caution about Nigeria’s scale compared to leading producers. “But we are not like Saudi (Arabia)… we can contribute.”

Nigeria produced an average of between 1.6 million and 1.7 million barrels per day last year and is targeting an average of 1.8 million bpd in 2026. The planned increase comes amid tighter global supply conditions linked to geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil markets.

Ojulari said the NNPC undertook a comprehensive review of its portfolio last year and is now beginning to implement changes aimed at improving efficiency. A key focus, he noted, is strengthening project execution to ensure delivery on schedule and within budget, following delays that have historically constrained output growth.

The reforms are part of a broader effort to restore Nigeria’s position as a reliable oil producer, while taking advantage of opportunities created by global supply disruptions. Although the country does not have the spare capacity of major OPEC producers such as Saudi Arabia, officials say incremental gains could still play a role in stabilising supply.