Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s largest crude oil producer following an increase in output, according to the latest data released by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
In its monthly report published on Wednesday, OPEC disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in March, up from 1.42 million bpd recorded in December 2025. The figures, sourced through direct communication with Nigerian authorities, reaffirm the country’s leadership in Africa’s oil market.
Although the March output reflected a marginal 2.11 percent month-on-month dip, Nigeria maintained a comfortable lead over Libya, which recorded 1.37 million bpd during the same period.
OPEC collects crude oil production data from two channels: direct communication with member countries and secondary sources, including energy intelligence platforms. Data from secondary sources placed Nigeria’s January production at 1.47 million bpd, slightly lower than the 1.49 million bpd posted in December 2025.
While Nigeria’s production came in just below its 1.5 million bpd OPEC quota — falling short by approximately 50,000 bpd — the country’s performance continues to underscore its strategic importance within the oil alliance and the broader global energy market.
In a related development, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, stated on February 10 that Nigeria’s total oil output, including condensates, stood at 1.75 million bpd, reflecting ongoing efforts to ramp up production capacity.
With sustained policy measures and industry reforms, Nigeria remains firmly positioned at the forefront of Africa’s crude oil production landscape.