Nigeria’s crude oil production fell by 5,000 barrels per day in August 2026, dropping to 1.50 million barrels per day from 1.505 million barrels per day recorded in July, according to the latest report by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
The figures, contained in OPEC’s September 2026 Monthly Oil Market Report, were based on data submitted directly by Nigeria to the oil producers’ organisation.
The latest decline represents the second consecutive monthly drop in Nigeria’s crude output in OPEC’s direct-communication data, despite the country meeting its OPEC production quota during the month under review.
OPEC’s direct-communication figures showed that Nigeria produced an average of 1.555 million barrels per day in June before output declined by 50,000 barrels per day to 1.505 million barrels per day in July.
Production then dropped by another 5,000 barrels per day in August to 1.50 million barrels per day.
The combined decline between June and August stood at 55,000 barrels per day, while Nigerian crude production has fluctuated between approximately 1.45 million barrels per day and 1.56 million barrels per day since January 2026.
However, estimates from secondary sources cited by OPEC presented a different picture, showing that Nigeria’s crude output increased by 35,000 barrels per day in August to 1.57 million barrels per day.
The secondary-source data showed Nigerian production falling by 40,000 barrels per day in July, from 1.58 million barrels per day in June to 1.54 million barrels per day, before recovering in August.
The divergence between the figures submitted directly by Nigeria and estimates from secondary sources highlights the varying assessments of the country’s actual crude production levels.
Meanwhile, crude oil production across the Declaration of Cooperation countries increased by about 300,000 barrels per day in August to 38.05 million barrels per day.
The increase was driven largely by OPEC members, whose combined output rose by 346,000 barrels per day to 24.08 million barrels per day, while production by non-OPEC DoC countries declined by 49,000 barrels per day.
Iraq recorded the largest increase among the producers, with secondary-source estimates showing its production rising by 664,000 barrels per day to 3.38 million barrels per day. Its direct-communication figure showed an even larger increase of 845,000 barrels per day.
Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela also recorded increases during the month.
The gains more than offset production declines recorded in Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Based on secondary-source estimates, Iran’s output fell by 399,000 barrels per day, Russia declined by 160,000 barrels per day, while Saudi Arabia recorded a 75,000-barrels-per-day reduction.
Nigeria’s 5,000-barrels-per-day decline was therefore contrary to the broader recovery recorded across the OPEC group in August, although the reduction remained relatively small compared with the overall production movement within the group.
The latest figures come as Nigeria continues efforts to raise and stabilise crude production amid operational difficulties, oil theft, pipeline disruptions and security challenges in the country’s oil-producing regions.
The Federal Government and industry operators have in recent months intensified efforts to improve production, attract investment and restore shut-in capacity as Nigeria seeks to maximise crude oil revenues and strengthen its position within the global oil market.
