The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says it is on track to push the country’s crude oil production above two million barrels per day by 2026, attributing its growing optimism to the strengthened cooperation of communities along major pipeline corridors.
This assurance came from Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations (Eastern Corridor), Project Monitoring Office, during a monthly engagement with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Port Harcourt.
The interactive session was convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the private operator overseeing the pipeline.
2026 Projection: Nigeria Eyes Higher Production Through Stable Pipeline Operations
Omojevwhe revealed that the national crude output projection for 2026 stands at 2.80 million barrels per day (mbpd), with a practical target of 2.06 mbpd starting from a baseline of 1.84 mbpd.
He disclosed that the Trans Niger Pipeline is currently operating at peak efficiency, a sharp contrast to years plagued by vandalism and theft. This uninterrupted flow, he said, is the direct result of improved community collaboration.
“The TNP is green, meaning product is moving without disruption,” he told participants. “As 2026 draws nearer, we need your continuous support to ensure production keeps climbing.”
Omojevwhe emphasized that community involvement remains the most effective line of defence for national pipeline assets, noting that no private or outsourced security arrangement can succeed without locals actively backing the effort.
“If your leaders don’t take our message back to your people, we can’t achieve a green line. Communities are at the heart of this work,” he added.
Ministry of Petroleum Lauds Communities, Predicts Revenue Boost
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, Edi Julius applauded the partnership between PINL and the host communities, describing it as a key driver of recent production improvements.
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“There can be no increase in output without peace,” he said. “We strongly believe Nigeria will cross the two-million-barrels-per-day mark in 2026. That means more revenue for the country and more social investment for the communities.”
PINL Reviews the Year: Stronger Security, Wider Engagement, Zero Illegal Bunkering
PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, used the meeting to provide a performance review of the year. He outlined several milestones achieved along the TNP corridor, including:
* expanded security surveillance
* broadened participation of stakeholders
* empowerment initiatives for women and students
* improved community communication through the Town Crier Initiative
* consistent engagement with local leaders
* elimination of illegal bunkering incidents
* deeper trust between communities and the company
Mezeh encouraged the communities to maintain the same level of commitment as the company gears up for the 2026 production drive. He also announced Christmas relief packages for all 215 host communities along the TNP.
Host Communities Call for Development as Production Increases
Responding on behalf of the host communities, His Majesty King Philip Osaro Obele urged the Federal Government to match rising oil output with tangible development projects in the region.
He commended PINL for its transparency and frequent dialogue, stressing that open communication has been crucial to sustaining peace around the pipeline network.
