Nigeria, recognized as Africa’s top oil-producing nation, continues to rely heavily on crude oil exports for a substantial portion of its revenue. The country’s petroleum industry remains vital to its economy, and production is primarily centered in the Niger Delta region—although contributions from a few non-Delta states are gradually increasing.
According to the latest data from Intelpoint, here are the top 10 oil-producing states in Nigeria, ranked by their average daily crude oil output:
1. Akwa Ibom – 504,000 Barrels per Day (bpd)
Akwa Ibom stands as Nigeria’s leading oil-producing state. With its strategic location along the Atlantic coastline, the state boasts abundant offshore reserves that drive its dominant contribution. Oil multinationals operating in Akwa Ibom harness vast undersea deposits, placing it firmly at the top of Nigeria’s oil map.
2. Delta – 346,000 bpd
Delta State ranks second in daily output and plays a vital role in Nigeria’s oil revenue. The state is dotted with oil fields and hosts major operators such as Shell and Chevron. Its extensive network of pipelines, flow stations, and terminals makes Delta a key player in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
3. Rivers – 344,000 bpd
Coming in close behind Delta is Rivers State, anchored by the oil city of Port Harcourt. Known as the hub of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, Rivers is home to refineries, oil servicing companies, and administrative centers for many international oil corporations. Its significance extends beyond crude output, contributing immensely to refining and export activities.
4. Bayelsa – 290,000 bpd
Bayelsa State, though geographically small, has a rich oil heritage. It is home to Oloibiri—the site of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discovery in 1956. The state remains a major oil-producing region and continues to play an important role in the country’s energy sector, thanks to its onshore and offshore fields.
5. Ondo – 60,000 bpd
Ondo is one of the few states in southwestern Nigeria contributing to the national oil basket. With mostly offshore wells, Ondo’s output may be modest compared to Niger Delta giants, but it remains crucial to regional diversification of oil production.
6. Lagos – 40,000 bpd
Lagos officially joined the ranks of oil-producing states in 2016, following discoveries in offshore fields near Badagry. The state’s output of 40,000 barrels per day signals potential for significant expansion. With its business-friendly environment and existing infrastructure, Lagos could attract future upstream investments.
7. Edo – 33,000 bpd
Edo State contributes both onshore and offshore crude to Nigeria’s overall output. As oil companies explore new frontiers and deepen production in the Benin basin, Edo is emerging as a promising oil player, supported by its proximity to the Niger Delta.
8. Imo – 17,000 bpd
Imo State, located in the southeastern part of the country, has small yet commercially viable oil reserves. The state’s production has been steadily growing, and further investments in exploration and infrastructure could boost output in the years ahead.
9. Abia – 11,000 bpd
Abia’s contribution to Nigeria’s oil economy may be relatively small, but it remains valuable. Located in the southeast, Abia hosts several marginal oil fields and has room for expanded exploration. If current trends continue, the state could play a larger role in the future.
10. Anambra – 3,000 bpd
Anambra is the newest state to join Nigeria’s oil-producing ranks. With an initial output of 3,000 barrels per day, the state is in the early stages of building its petroleum industry. Encouraging signs of further reserves may help the state scale up its production.
Oil Revenue Still Dominated by the Niger Delta
Despite the emergence of oil activities in states like Lagos, Ondo, and Anambra, Nigeria’s oil production continues to be dominated by the core Niger Delta states—Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa. Together, these four states account for over 80% of the country’s total daily crude output.
This concentration of production also shapes national politics and fiscal allocation, as these oil-rich states receive significant revenue through the 13% derivation principle. It also underscores the need for sustained investments in environmental remediation and socio-economic development in these oil-producing communities.
Potential for Expansion in Non-Core Regions
The rise of states like Lagos, Edo, and Anambra reflects a gradual geographic expansion of Nigeria’s oil footprint. Advances in offshore drilling technology, renewed licensing of marginal fields, and targeted exploration in inland basins could help diversify the production landscape.
Moreover, the federal government’s recent push to attract more foreign direct investment into the oil and gas sector may lead to increased exploration in frontier states. If managed strategically, this could reduce overdependence on the Niger Delta and unlock new development zones across the country.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s oil industry remains the backbone of its economy, and understanding the distribution of crude oil production across states offers critical insight into the nation’s development dynamics. As newer states join the ranks of producers and existing ones scale up, the future of Nigeria’s oil sector may hinge on effective governance, environmental sustainability, and equitable revenue sharing.
