Nigeria’s crude oil production has surpassed the 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) mark on several occasions in 2025, indicating renewed momentum in the country’s upstream sector, according to the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this on Monday during a capacity-building workshop for journalists in Lagos. He stated that the rise in production, alongside increased rig activity and major investment commitments, reflects a sector gradually rebounding.
Komolafe revealed that the country’s rig count — a key metric of upstream operations — has grown to nearly 70, with over 40 rigs currently active. He added that Final Investment Decisions running into billions of dollars have been taken, and that the Commission has approved Field Development Plans valued at about $20 billion within the last 10 months.
He explained that Nigeria’s ability to repeatedly exceed the 1.7 million bpd level demonstrates its potential to outperform its OPEC-allocated production targets. The Commission, he said, is working toward raising national output by an additional one million barrels per day.
As part of efforts to drive exploration and investment, Komolafe announced that the NUPRC will commence a new licensing round on December 1, 2025. He described the upcoming round as more transparent and globally competitive than the previous exercise, noting that it is expected to open new exploration opportunities, attract fresh capital, and strengthen the nation’s reserves.
Komolafe also highlighted the importance of media coverage in shaping perception and investor confidence in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. He urged journalists to embrace factual, contextual, and development-oriented reporting that captures both opportunities and challenges.
While acknowledging the leadership provided by President Bola Tinubu in the sector, he emphasized that balanced and accurate reporting remains essential to consolidating investor interest and sustaining progress in Nigeria’s upstream industry.
