By Spear News
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced a landmark achievement, with its flagship upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), reaching its highest daily crude oil production in 36 years.
On December 1st, 2025, NEPL achieved a record output of 355,000 barrels per day (bpd), a level last seen in 1989. This milestone is part of a dramatic surge in the company’s performance, with average daily production climbing 52%—from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025.
In a statement released yesterday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, described the feat as a “significant step forward for Nigeria’s upstream sector,” attributing it to the company’s ongoing transformation focused on efficiency, discipline, and operational excellence.
He emphasised that the growth stems from a clear strategy of strong asset management and structured field development.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, stated that the record proves Nigeria’s energy revival is already in motion. “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 said.
He added that the achievement reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to being a dependable energy supplier, boosting confidence both nationally and across the global energy landscape.
Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, highlighted that the accomplishment signifies more than just increased output. “It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation,” Ntia noted, stressing that the progress is built on responsible operations that prioritize safety, community well-being, and environmental protection.
Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, credited the success to transformative leadership, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated workforce. “We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart said. “For Nigerians, this translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation.”
Analysts view this record production as a critical boost toward Nigeria’s ambitious presidential targets of producing 2 million bpd by 2027 and 3 million by 2030. NNPC stated that NEPL’s performance “converts national ambition into measurable momentum” and demonstrates that with the right systems and leadership, the upstream sector can overcome years of instability.
NEPL is the wholly-owned exploration and production subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, operating on behalf of the Nigerian state.
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