Nigeria’s Crude Oil Production Rises to 1.459 Million BPD in January 2026 – OPEC Report
Nigeria’s crude oil production in January 2026 climbed to 1.459 million barrels per day (bpd), according to the latest data reported in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR). The increase from December 2025’s average of 1.422 million bpd marks a month-on-month rise of about 37,000 barrels, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest crude producer, even as output remains below its designated OPEC quota.
The figures, compiled through direct communication between Nigerian authorities and OPEC, reflect modest improvements in upstream activity following months of infrastructural and security challenges that have hindered production efficiency. Despite the uptick, Nigeria fell short of its 1.5 million bpd OPEC quota by roughly 50,000 barrels, extending its streak of underperformance to the sixth consecutive month.
Industry analysts say the gradual recovery underscores both the resilience and the persistent constraints of Nigeria’s oil sector. According to the report, “the increase signals gradual recovery in output levels, even as structural and operational challenges persist in the oil sector,” a point echoed by several energy sector commentators.
Despite missing the quota, Nigeria maintained its lead ahead of other African producers such as Libya, which recorded around 1.37 million bpd over the same period. Secondary estimates reported by OPEC’s data partners placed Nigeria’s January output slightly higher at approximately 1.47 million bpd, highlighting common discrepancies in industry measurement methodologies.
For Nigeria, crude oil remains central to economic stability, funding a large share of government revenue and foreign exchange inflows. The improved production levels offer a measure of optimism for fiscal performance and external reserves, although experts caution that deeper reforms are needed to ensure consistent output growth and quota compliance.
Industry watchers note that Nigeria’s performance in January comes against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to enhance upstream capacity and tackle longstanding sector issues such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism and infrastructure deficits. These operational constraints have repeatedly limited output growth, even as global energy markets balance supply and demand dynamics.
Looking ahead, Nigeria has set ambitious targets to further boost crude production this year, aiming to strengthen its role in the global oil market while improving domestic fiscal resilience. Achieving these targets, however, will require sustained investment and improved operational security across key oil-producing regions.
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