Crude output rises as NUPRC targets 1.9mbpd

Nigeria’s crude oil production could rise to 1.9 million barrels per day in the near term following recent improvements in output, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has said.

The Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, at the NRS headquarters in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the NUPRC, Eniola Akinkuotu, on Wednesday.

Eyesan said the country’s oil industry had continued to record production growth, noting that crude output reached a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day in May, placing the industry on a stronger recovery path.

The meeting also focused on strengthening collaboration between the two agencies to promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in the collection of oil and gas revenues.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigeria Revenue Service have deepened their collaboration to promote transparency and accountability in the collection of oil and gas revenue.

“This was the resolution after a meeting between the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and the Chairman of the NRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, at the NRS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.”

Speaking during the engagement, Eyesan commended the leadership of the Nigeria Revenue Service for reforms that culminated in the enactment of the NRS Act and described the transition of revenue collection responsibilities as smooth.

Eyesan said the process had been seamless. The CCE also highlighted the Commission’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for operators in the oil and gas industry.

“We are here to enable them, enable their businesses, ensure that they survive and succeed. And we want to grow the pie because when you grow the pie, everybody benefits,” she said.

Eyesan disclosed that recent gains in crude production demonstrate that industry reforms and collaborative efforts by stakeholders are beginning to yield positive results.

She further revealed that Nigeria has the potential to produce 1.9 million barrels per day, having hit a peak production of 1.86 million barrels per day in May.