NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) has announced a major milestone in Nigeria’s upstream sector, recording a daily crude oil output of 355,000 barrels per day (bpd) on December 1, 2025. The achievement marks the company’s highest daily production since 1989 and signals renewed momentum in the country’s efforts to reposition its energy industry for sustained growth.
The development was confirmed through an official statement issued by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited. According to internal production data released by the company, NEPL has delivered strong year-on-year growth in output. Average daily production rose from 203,000 bpd in 2023, to 312,000 bpd in 2025, representing a significant 52% increase over the two-year period.
NEPL attributed the surge in production to a combination of strategic initiatives, including more structured field development planning, enhanced asset management, and systematic improvements in operational processes across its portfolio. The company is also believed to be benefiting from reforms introduced to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and commercial discipline in the management of national hydrocarbon assets.
The performance arrives at a pivotal moment for Nigeria, as the Federal Government accelerates its drive to rebuild capacity across the oil and gas value chain. Current national targets aim to reach 2 million bpd by 2027, and subsequently expand production to 3 million bpd by 2030, positioning the country to reinforce its status as one of the continent’s leading energy exporters.
Energy Revival Already Underway – NNPC CEO
Commenting on the milestone, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, said the record output is a confirmation that Nigeria’s energy revival is not merely aspirational but already progressing in concrete terms.
“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,” Ojulari stated. He added that the achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the company’s strategic frameworks — spanning equipment modernization, process optimization, talent development, and strengthened partnerships — in delivering measurable results.
Ojulari further noted that NEPL’s progress sends a positive signal to both domestic stakeholders and international partners regarding the country’s continued relevance as a reliable supplier of crude oil into global markets. According to him, the company’s performance strengthens investor confidence at a time when geopolitical uncertainty and supply disruptions continue to influence global commodity flows.
Focus on Sustainability and Responsible Growth
The milestone, however, is not just a story of higher volumes. Speaking on the broader implications of the achievement, Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President for Upstream, highlighted the company’s emphasis on operational discipline and sustainability.
“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point,” Ntia explained. “Sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection.”
Ntia maintained that the company is moving away from the legacy model of extraction-at-all-costs to a value-driven approach, aligning with the expectations placed on modern energy companies operating in an increasingly carbon-conscious global environment.
Leadership, People, and Partnerships Driving Success
Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, reinforced that the company’s record-setting performance reflects a deeper transformation across the NNPC Limited group. He emphasized that the success is rooted in clarity of vision, aligned partnerships, and disciplined execution by the workforce.
“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,” Foucart said. He added that beyond the headline figures, the achievement carries significant implications for national development — increasing government revenues, strengthening energy security, and supporting Nigeria’s economic resilience.
The Broader Picture
NNPC E&P Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited focused on oil and gas exploration and production. Despite the milestone, recent national data indicated a slight dip in aggregate crude production, falling from 1.61 million bpd in September to 1.58 million bpd in October.
In November, NNPC Limited unveiled plans to attract $60 billion in investments by 2030, driven by strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating Africa’s energy transformation agenda. The company believes that sustained investment, operational discipline, and a clear strategy for capacity expansion are key to unlocking Nigeria’s long-term production potential.
Emmanuel Bassey is a Financial Expert that has worked in the Banking and Finance Industry for over 15+ years across different banks in Nigeria
