The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced that its subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, recorded its highest oil production of 355,000 barrels per day on December 1, 2025, marking the first time the company has achieved such output levels in 36 years and signaling a dramatic turnaround in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
According to a statement signed by NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, average daily production surged 52% from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025. The milestone represents a significant step forward for Nigeria’s upstream sector and reflects the company’s ongoing transformation anchored on efficiency and discipline. The record growth stems from a clear strategy anchored on operational excellence, strong asset management, and structured field development. NEPL’s performance demonstrates that with the right leadership, strengthened systems, and a committed workforce, Nigeria’s upstream sector can overcome years of instability and production challenges.
Group Chief Executive of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, described the milestone as proof that Nigeria’s energy revival is not a dream but already happening. “By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established. The achievement signals that the machinery of production—equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships—can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes,” Ojulari stated.
He noted that the achievement reinforces confidence nationally and across the global energy landscape, assuring partners and investors that Nigeria is committed to reaffirming its role as a dependable energy supplier. The record output brings the presidential targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030 closer to reality, transforming what had often appeared aspirational into measurable momentum.
Executive Vice President for Upstream, Udy Ntia, observed that the milestone goes beyond the 355,000 barrels per day figure, emphasizing that it reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost toward sustainable value creation. “In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection. It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation—a core requirement for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” Ntia added.
Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, noted that the record-setting performance mirrors the broader transformation unfolding across NNPC Limited. “This is a story shaped by leadership that charts a clear course, by partnerships built on alignment and accountability, and by a workforce whose hard work is turning goals into measurable progress. Our people, our processes, and principles are the real engines behind this success. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart stated. For Nigerians, the accomplishment translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only produced more hydrocarbons but has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and dedication.
Source: allafrica.com through This Day