- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has recorded an historic crude oil production level of 355,000 barrels of oil per day.
In what was considered its highest daily output since 1989, the NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, reportedly recorded the feat on the 1st of December.
The milestone, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, marked a significant step forward for Nigeria’s upstream sector and reflected the company’s ongoing transformation anchored on efficiency and discipline.
Odeh explained that the figures show genuine transformation: average daily production surged 52%, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 in 2025.
This record growth, according to the NNPC’s spokesperson, stemmed from a clear strategy anchored on operational excellence, strong asset management, and structured field development.
The achievement, he maintained, converts national ambition into measurable momentum, bringing closer the reality of presidential targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030.
Speaking on the development, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited pointed out that the milestone is proof that Nigeria’s energy revival is not a dream but a reality already happening.
Ojulari, as quoted in the statement, held that the development confirmed that the essential building blocks for scaling national output have been established.
“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established.
“The achievement signals that the machinery of production—equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships—can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes,” The NNPC boss was quoted to have said.
He noted that the achievement reinforces confidence nationally and across the global energy landscape, assuring partners and investors that Nigeria is committed to reaffirming its role as a dependable energy supplier.
Also speaking, Udy Ntia, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, observed that the milestone goes beyond the 355,000 bpd figure.
“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations.
“This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection.
“It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation—a core requirement for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” Ntia added.
On his part, Nicolas Foucart, NEPL Managing Director noted that company’s record-setting performance mirrors the broader transformation unfolding across NNPC Limited.
“This is a story shaped by leadership that charts a clear course; by partnerships built on alignment and accountability; and by a workforce whose hard work is turning goals into measurable progress.
“Our people, our processes, and principles are the real engines behind this success. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart stated.
He added: “For Nigerians, this accomplishment means far more than increased barrels; it translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only produced more hydrocarbons; it has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and dedication.”