Nigeria’s oil production recorded a strong rebound in April 2026, with the country’s combined crude oil and condensate output rising to an average of 1.663 million barrels per day (bpd), according to the latest figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The latest production level marks a notable increase from the 1.546 million bpd recorded in March, signaling renewed momentum in the country’s upstream oil sector amid ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, restore disrupted assets, and strengthen production capacity.
Data from the NUPRC showed that crude oil production alone averaged 1.488 million bpd during the month, bringing Nigeria remarkably close to fully achieving its 1.5 million bpd production quota allocated by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country effectively attained about 99.2% of its assigned target during the reporting period.
According to the commission’s Crude Oil and Condensate Production Report, total liquids production increased by 7.58% month-on-month in April, reflecting improved performance across several major oil assets and export streams.
Condensate production contributed approximately 174,873 bpd to the total output figure, further strengthening Nigeria’s overall liquids production performance.
The report also revealed that daily production fluctuated significantly throughout the month, ranging from a low of 1.46 million bpd to a peak of 1.85 million bpd, highlighting both the progress and volatility still present within the sector.
Among the major export grades and offshore assets, Bonga emerged as one of the strongest performers, recording 3.06 million barrels during April. Erha followed with 2.05 million barrels, while Anyala-Madu (CJ Blend) contributed 1.81 million barrels. Utapate delivered 1.78 million barrels, Egina produced 1.47 million barrels, and the newly introduced Cawthorne crude stream recorded 929,055 barrels during the month.
On the condensate side, Agbami condensate led output with 2.01 million barrels, followed by Akpo condensate at 1.34 million barrels. Tulja-Okwuibome condensate also contributed 304,827 barrels during the period.
The latest figures extend the upward production trend Nigeria has recorded since the beginning of 2026 despite persistent operational disruptions, pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and security challenges affecting some key production corridors.
April’s performance now stands as Nigeria’s strongest average daily oil production level so far this year. Analysts attribute the improvement to better field performance, enhanced operational efficiency, gradual restoration of previously disrupted facilities, and the introduction of newer export grades aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s crude portfolio.
The emergence of the Cawthorne export stream, in particular, reflects broader efforts by authorities and operators to strengthen production growth while improving export flexibility within the sector.
The increase in output also aligns with ongoing reforms introduced by the Federal Government to improve transparency within the petroleum industry, boost foreign exchange earnings, and raise federation revenues at a time of mounting fiscal pressure.
Earlier in April, the Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed that Nigeria’s crude oil production had increased by approximately 40.5% to 1.84 million bpd in March, reinforcing signs of gradual recovery in the sector.
However, despite the production gains, challenges remain. The NUPRC had previously reported that Nigeria supplied only 28.5 million barrels of crude oil to domestic refineries in the first quarter of 2026, significantly below the 61.9 million barrels allocated for the period.
In addition, reports released earlier this year showed that Nigeria experienced a crude oil and condensate production shortfall of roughly 16.6 million barrels during the first two months of 2026, underlining the scale of operational gaps the industry is still working to overcome.
Nevertheless, the latest production rebound is expected to strengthen government revenues, improve dollar inflows, and support broader economic stability if the upward momentum can be sustained in the coming months.
