This is indeed good news for the Nigerian oil sector as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, on Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 announced that it has recorded its highest daily crude oil production in over three decades, hitting 355,000 barrels per day on Monday, 1 December, 2025.
The NNPC Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, who confirmed the milestone through statement issued on Tuesday, 9 December, 2025, said the development marks the company’s biggest output since 1989 and signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s upstream recovery efforts.
Odeh disclosed in the statement that NNPC E&P Limited’s average daily output has increased by 52 per cent in two years, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025—a performance the company attributed to strengthened operational systems, disciplined asset management and structured field development.
“On December 1, 2025, NNPC E&P Limited, the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, achieved a record production level of 355,000 barrels of oil per day, its highest daily output since 1989.
Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, described the accomplishment as evidence that Nigeria’s energy revival “is not a dream but already happening,” the NNPCL’s image –maker said in the statement.
Odeh added in the statement that Ojulari said that by exceeding its own production benchmarks, NNPC E&P has shown that the essential building blocks needed to scale national output are being established.
“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established.
“The achievement signals that the machinery of production, equipment, processes, capabilities and partnerships can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes.
“The achievement converts national ambition into measurable momentum. The presidential targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030 have often appeared aspirational. NEPL’s delivery brings them closer to reality,” he added.
The NNPCL boss added that the accomplishment boosts investor confidence and reassures global partners that Nigeria remains committed to reclaiming its place as a stable and dependable crude supplier.
The Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, said the milestone represents more than a production figure, noting that NEPL’s growth is anchored on responsible and sustainable operations.
“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations.
“This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing or environmental protection,” Ntia said.
According to him, the company’s approach ensures that higher output does not undermine worker safety, environmental protections or community relations.
