Nigeria Surpasses OPEC Quota as Oil Output Hits Multi-Month Peak

Nigeria's oil sector delivered a significant output boost in May 2026, with the country producing above its agreed OPEC production limit for the first time in months. Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed the nation achieved its strongest production performance in either 11 or 15 months, depending on the measurement methodology.

The country's daily crude oil output averaged between 1.53 million barrels, representing 102 percent of Nigeria's 1.5 million barrel-per-day OPEC quota. When condensate production—a lighter hydrocarbon byproduct—is factored in, Nigeria's total daily output climbed to approximately 1.7 million barrels.

The upstream sector attributed the surge to more stable operational conditions and a marked reduction in pipeline vandalism, which has historically disrupted production across major facilities. These improvements allowed the country to maintain continuous output without major facility disruptions that previously hampered production schedules.

Beyond current production levels, Nigeria's output capacity is positioned to expand further. The introduction of new crude blends, including the recently activated Cawthorn blend, added an estimated 12 million barrels to total production between January and May 2026.

The Cawthorn blend alone contributed 3.41 million barrels during this five-month window, while another newly introduced crude grade, Utap, produced 8.75 million barrels across the same period. Despite these gains, newer crude streams remain below their target production thresholds.

Current output from these blends averages around 55,190 barrels daily, still short of the intended 80,000 barrels-per-day target. The combined contribution of all new crude grades demonstrates Nigeria's strategy to diversify its export portfolio and strengthen its position as Africa's largest oil-producing nation.