By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria produced a combined total of 454.28 million barrels of crude oil and condensates between January and September 2025, according to production data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The report revealed that crude oil accounted for 399.81 million barrels, while condensates contributed 54.47 million barrels, representing about 12 per cent of total liquid hydrocarbons. This translates to an average daily output of 1.66 million barrels per day (mbpd), with crude averaging 1.46 mbpd and condensates adding 0.20 mbpd.
Despite the improved figures, the report showed that Nigeria still struggled to meet its OPEC production quota of 1.5 mbpd, achieving the target only in January, June, and July.
Production levels fluctuated across the months, peaking in January at 53.86 million barrels before plunging to 46.81 million barrels in February.
Output stabilised between March and July but declined again in September to 41.69 million barrels. The NUPRC attributed the September drop to industrial action by labour unions during their dispute with the Dangote Refinery, as well as routine maintenance shutdowns.
According to detailed field data, major terminals sustained national production. Forcados Terminal led with 67.1 million barrels, followed by Bonny Terminal (60.54 million), Qua Iboe (40.66 million), and Escravos (37.36 million). Brass Terminal contributed 9.12 million barrels, while smaller onshore streams such as Odudu, Tulja–Okweibome, and Okoro provided steady but moderate volumes.
Deepwater operations remained the foundation of Nigeria’s output. Bonga Field (Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company) dominated with 32.89 million barrels, while Erha Field (ExxonMobil) and Egina Field (TotalEnergies) delivered 18.93 million and 17.84 million barrels respectively.
Condensate production was led by Agbami Field (Chevron) with 21.78 million barrels and Akpo Field (TotalEnergies) with 14.38 million barrels. The Tulja–Okweibome Condensate stream averaged around 280,000 barrels per month.
Energy analysts say sustaining production above 1.6 mbpd will require stronger security in oil-producing areas, faster field redevelopment, and full enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
In a separate update, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reported that five key crude evacuation pipelines – including the Trans-Niger, Oando Brass, Trans-Forcados, Trans-Escravos, and Trans-Ramos pipelines – achieved 100 per cent availability between May and June 2025.
However, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, cautioned that national output remains below the government’s 2025 budget target of 2.02 million barrels per day, despite progress in tackling vandalism and restoring critical infrastructure.
