Nigeria’s oil sector has crossed a major performance threshold, with crude production exceeding 1.7 million barrels per day several times in 2025—an achievement hailed as a turning point for the industry.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) confirmed the improved output figures, noting that the country is steadily aligning with its long-term production ambitions.
The Oil & Gas Governance Reform Alliance (OGRA) celebrated the development, describing it as a “historic turnaround” for Nigeria’s upstream industry.
In a statement released Wednesday, OGRA’s Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Kalango, said the surge represents “a decisive break from years of production stagnation, operational instability, and wavering investor trust.”
According to Kalango, the NUPRC’s recent track record proves that Nigeria’s capacity to achieve high production was never the challenge. Instead, he argued, the sector suffered from an absence of regulatory direction and the lack of firm enforcement.
“Within the last year, under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission has restored order to a sector long marked by unpredictability,” he added.
OGRA pointed to a range of improvements—including rising rig deployments, renewed capital inflows, major investment decisions worth billions of dollars, and the approval of field development plans valued at roughly $20 billion in the past ten months—as evidence that reforms are finally taking hold.
Kalango emphasized that surpassing the 1.7 million bpd mark is “far more than a number,” declaring it proof that Nigeria is regaining the confidence of both producers and global investors. He stated that the country’s once-distant 2.5 million barrels per day production target is now “realistic and within reach.”
The coalition noted that Nigeria’s rig count—approaching 70 rigs this year, with over 40 currently active—reflects the most vibrant exploration and drilling activity seen in nearly a decade.
This, OGRA said, signals a decisive shift in investor sentiment and rising optimism about the country’s upstream prospects.
OGRA also applauded the NUPRC’s recently announced new oil licensing round, set to commence on December 1, 2025, calling it a bold initiative that will strengthen reserves, draw in fresh capital, and position Nigeria competitively in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.
According to the group, maintaining predictable bid rounds, guaranteeing transparent processes, and ensuring regulatory stability will be key to sustaining the renewed momentum.
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The coalition further stressed that accurate reporting and consistent communication are vital to shaping investor perception, noting that confidence in the sector depends not only on geological potential and policy direction but also on how achievements are conveyed.
OGRA urged the Commission to continue its reform drive, adding that the recent breakthroughs demonstrate that the petroleum sector remains capable of delivering transformative national value under firm, focused leadership.
