NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has achieved a historic daily crude oil production level of 355,000 barrels per day, its highest output since 1989. The breakthrough, recorded on December 1, 2025, marks one of the most significant milestones in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector in recent years.
According to data released by the company, NEPL’s average daily production has grown by 52%, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025. The company attributes this surge to strengthened operational systems, improved asset management, and disciplined field development strategies.
Speaking on the development, the Group CEO of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the achievement confirms that Nigeria’s long-anticipated energy revival is now a visible reality.
“By exceeding its own production benchmarks, NEPL has demonstrated that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are firmly in place. This milestone shows that Nigeria’s energy revival is not a dream; it is already happening,” Ojulari stated.
He added that the performance boosts confidence both domestically and internationally, assuring partners and investors of Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining its role as a dependable global energy supplier.
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Also reacting, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, emphasized that the significance of the milestone goes beyond surpassing the 355,000bpd figure.
“In a sector where shortcuts may offer short-term gains but long-term setbacks, NEPL is proving that sustainable progress must be rooted in responsible operations. This ensures that increased production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental standards,” Ntia said.
Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, described the performance as a reflection of the broader transformation underway across NNPC Limited.
“This success is driven by leadership clarity, strong partnerships, and a dedicated workforce turning targets into measurable results. We are building for the future, not just celebrating the present,” Foucart noted.
He explained that the achievement means more than additional barrels for the country, noting that it translates to higher national revenue, improved energy security, and a more resilient economic base.
The accomplishment also brings Nigeria closer to meeting its presidential crude oil production targets of 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels per day by 2030, goals previously considered overly ambitious.
NEPL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NNPC Limited, is responsible for the exploration and production of oil and gas resources across Nigeria.
