Nigeria’s crude production drops 30,000bpd in January

Nigeria’s crude oil production dropped by 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January to 1.495 million (bpd), falling short of the quota set by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The secondary sources of the OPEC monthly report revealed that crude oil production in the West African country fell from 1.525 million bpd in December 2024 to 1.495 million (bpd) in January 2025, indicating a 1.97 percent decline.

This development indicates a negative trajectory for the largest crude producer in Africa, which recently met OPEC’s quota in December 2024 after four years and is looking to hit 2.7 million bpd by 2027.

Earlier, Olu Verheijen, special adviser on energy to President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria has set itself a target of boosting daily production by about three-fifths to 2.7 million barrels of crude and condensate by 2027.

Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long plagued Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, derailing the country’s potential gains in FX and domestic obligations.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited called on the Kannywood community to use their influence to advocate for the protection of national assets, particularly those managed by the state-owned oil company.

Olufemi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer of NNPC, said vandalism of critical infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations, poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economy, national security, and overall development.

“Vandalism of critical infrastructure including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations poses a severe threat to our economy, national security, and overall development.

“We must all play our part in educating the public about the dangers of such acts. As respected figures in society, you have the influence to drive this message home,” Soneye said.

Meanwhile, based on direct communication, Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to 1,539 million bpd last month, up from 1,485 million bpd in December 2024.