Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in its oil industry after exceeding its crude oil production quota set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries for the first time in 2026. Industry players say the achievement was made possible by improved stability along the Trans Niger Pipeline and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders.
Fresh figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on June 11 showed that the country’s total oil production increased by 2.2 percent in May. Output climbed from 1.66 million barrels per day in April to about 1.70 million barrels per day in May.
The report further revealed that crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day during the month, allowing Nigeria to surpass its OPEC production target of 1.5 million barrels per day for the first time this year.
The development was one of the major highlights at a stakeholders’ engagement organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt. The meeting brought together representatives of host communities from Rivers, Imo, and Abia states to review progress made in protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline and strengthening operations across the region.
Speaking during the gathering, the company’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, credited the improved production figures to the growing stability of the Trans Niger Pipeline. He explained that stronger cooperation between host communities, security agencies, government institutions, and industry operators had played a significant role in reducing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
According to Mezeh, the pipeline has continued to operate with remarkable stability, helping to boost government revenue, improve national energy security, and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Traditional rulers present at the meeting also applauded the progress recorded so far and urged authorities to provide additional support to ensure the gains are sustained.
The Chairman of the South South Monarchs Forum and Nye Nweali of Emohua, Eze Sergeant Awuse, warned that some individuals could attempt to undermine the successes already achieved. He appealed to the National Security Adviser and other relevant agencies to strengthen support for pipeline surveillance and protection.
He stressed that any decline in crude oil production would have serious consequences for the nation’s economy and government operations, making it necessary to protect critical oil infrastructure at all costs.
Also speaking, the King of Eleme Kingdom, His Majesty Dr. Philip Obele Osaro, praised Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for helping to reduce youth restiveness in communities along the pipeline corridor. He expressed confidence that increased funding for the company’s programmes would create more opportunities for youth and women through empowerment initiatives.
The Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Project Monitoring Office, Engr. Akponime Omojewvhe, encouraged residents to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious movements around oil installations. He noted that timely information from community members remains one of the most effective tools for protecting national assets and maintaining the recent improvement in crude oil production.
Participants at the meeting expressed optimism that continued cooperation between host communities, security agencies, government institutions, and industry operators would preserve the integrity of the Trans Niger Pipeline and support Nigeria’s efforts to further increase crude oil output in the months ahead.
