Nigeria posted its strongest oil production figures of 2026, with total liquid output climbing to 1.66 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, up from 1.54 million bpd in March, even as crude production remained just below the 1.5 million bpd quota set by Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed crude output rose to 1.489 million bpd in April from 1.383 million bpd in March, marking a 7.7% increase. Since OPEC excludes condensates from its quota calculations, Nigeria’s crude figures alone determine compliance.

Combined crude and condensate production reached 49.90 million barrels in April, up from 47.93 million barrels in March. On a daily basis, total liquid production increased by about 7.1% month-on-month, rising from 1.55 million bpd to 1.66 million bpd.

Production trends showed fluctuations earlier in the year, with January output at 50.45 million barrels, dropping sharply in February to 41.55 million barrels, before rebounding to 47.93 million barrels in March and climbing further in April.

Daily averages followed a similar pattern, dipping from 1.63 million bpd in January to 1.48 million bpd in February, then recovering to 1.66 million bpd by April.Despite the rebound, Nigeria still fell short of its OPEC crude target, achieving about 99% of the 1.5 million bpd quota.

Condensate production also rose, reaching 174,872 bpd in April from 163,251 bpd in March, a 7.1% increase. The growth was largely driven by stronger output from major export streams such as Bonny, Forcados, Bonga, and Anyala-Madu, alongside offshore assets.

Bonny remained the top-producing stream, with output rising to 8.85 million barrels in April from 8.42 million barrels in March. Forcados recorded one of the sharpest increases, surging to 7.35 million barrels from 5.18 million barrels, a jump of about 42%. In contrast, Qua Iboe output declined to 4.97 million barrels from 5.25 million barrels, a drop of 5.4%, while the Aje field remained inactive.

April’s performance marked the highest production level of the year so far, pointing to a gradual recovery in Nigeria’s upstream sector after years of disruptions caused by crude theft, pipeline vandalism, infrastructure decay, underinvestment, and force majeure incidents.

Improved security around oil infrastructure and restored evacuation channels in the Niger Delta appear to be stabilising operations. However, Nigeria’s continued inability to fully meet its OPEC quota highlights the fragility of the recovery and the need for sustained investment, tighter pipeline security, and improved operational efficiency.

With output now within less than 1% of its OPEC allocation, maintaining this upward momentum will depend on preventing fresh disruptions and ensuring consistent production across key oil assets.