Crude Output Rises as Nigeria Retains Africa’s Top Producer Position

Despite continuous output falling short of its quota, Nigeria’s crude oil production grew to 1.459 million barrels per day in January 2026, solidifying the nation’s position as Africa’s top oil producer.

According to reports, the statistics were included in OPEC’s most recent Monthly Oil Market study, which was published on Wednesday. The study indicated a slight improvement in Nigeria’s production levels month over month.

Despite structural and operational issues in the oil industry, the report emphasized the nation’s ongoing inability to regularly exceed its allotted production ceiling.

The research states that Nigeria’s crude production increased by around 37,000 barrels per day, from 1.422 million barrels per day in December 2025 to 1.459 million barrels per day in January 2026.

OPEC and Nigerian officials communicated directly to compile the numbers.

Even with the improvement, Nigeria still produced less than its quota of 1.5 million barrels per day by about 50,000 barrels per day, which is the sixth consecutive month that the country has done so.

According to the report’s breakdown, January production was 1.459 million barrels per day, while December production was 1.422 million barrels per day.

Due to tiny variations in the measuring techniques used in OPEC reporting, Nigeria’s output was slightly higher at 1.47 million barrels per day according to OPEC’s secondary sources, which included independent analysts and market trackers.
With the most recent data, Nigeria remained the continent’s top producer of crude oil, surpassing Libya, which produced 1.37 million barrels per day over the same time frame.

Because Nigeria depends on oil exports to finance its budget and maintain the value of the naira, industry analysts told Daily Trust that the slight increase gives cautious optimism for government income and foreign exchange gains.

But analysts cautioned that improved operational efficiency throughout the sector, more upstream investments, and more extensive changes would be necessary for persistent adherence to OPEC production targets.

They pointed out that in the next months, bridging the output gap will be crucial, especially as Nigeria looks to stabilize its economy and increase fiscal earnings.

Nigeria has set the lofty goal of increasing its crude oil production to two million barrels per day by 2026, with a predicted increase to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.

However, reaching the goal will require continued investment, better infrastructure to support upstream activities, and increased security in oil-producing areas.