Nigeria’s Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reaches 1.171mbpd crude production milestone
Gas supply rises to 7.5bscf/d amid major pipeline and infrastructure expansion
Firm boosts refining strategy, deepens stake in Dangote Refinery
Nigeria’s state-owned oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has recorded its highest crude oil production in five years, hitting 1.171 million barrels per day under the leadership of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
The achievement was disclosed in the company’s one-year performance report covering April 2025 to April 2026, which outlined gains across upstream production, gas development, refining and strategic partnerships.
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According to the report, its upstream arm, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, also posted a record output of 365,000 barrels per day in December 2025, marking one of the strongest operational performances in recent years.
NNPCL said the milestone reflects a series of strategic reforms aimed at boosting Nigeria’s energy security and driving long-term industrial growth. Among the key highlights was the execution of Petroleum Prospecting Licences 2000 and 2001 under a Production Sharing Contract model, described as the first of its kind to include detailed provisions for deepwater non-associated gas development.
The company also resolved the long-standing dispute surrounding OPL 245, leading to its conversion into new Petroleum Mining Leases and Prospecting Licences, a move expected to unlock additional value in the sector.
In the gas segment, NNPCL reported significant infrastructure progress, including completion of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline river crossing and full welding of the line in July 2025.
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It also confirmed the commissioning of the Assa North-Ohaji South gas processing plant and the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline connections, which helped raise national gas supply to 7.5 billion standard cubic feet per day.
Further strengthening domestic utilisation, the company executed key agreements involving gas supply and distribution, while optimising the Soku pipeline to improve production capacity.
On market expansion, NNPCL entered shipping partnerships with global firms and introduced Cawthorne crude, a new export grade, alongside expanding its Oleum lubricant brand across West Africa.
In refining, the company adopted an Incorporated Joint Venture model for its refineries to ensure financial sustainability and operational competitiveness. It also confirmed the consolidation of its 7.25 per cent equity stake in the Dangote Refinery, stating: “Consolidated our holding of 7.25 per cent equity stake in the Dangote Refinery to ensure national interest.”
The report added that NNPCL continued crude supply to the refinery under the Federal Government’s crude-for-naira policy, aimed at boosting local refining capacity and easing pressure on foreign exchange.
On international collaboration, the company signed a tripartite agreement with China Gas Holding Ltd and Pelygang Chemical Singapore to attract investment and unlock Nigeria’s gas potential.
Financially, NNPCL said it had resumed full monthly remittances into the Federation Account since July 2025, signalling improved fiscal discipline.
The company noted that the performance reflects its renewed push towards efficiency, increased production and broader energy sector reforms as it positions itself as a globally competitive national oil company.
