The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says Nigeria’s crude oil production rose to 1.38 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 2026, up 5.25 per cent from 1.31 million bpd in February.

Despite the increase, output remained below Nigeria’s 1.5 million bpd quota by about 117,000 bpd. Secondary sources, however, estimated higher production at 1.46 million bpd. However, figures from Nigerian authorities present a stronger outlook. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reported production at 1.84 million bpd in early April, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited said output stood at 1.71 million bpd.

Nigeria retained its position as Africa’s top oil producer, ahead of Libya’s 1.30 million bpd. OPEC also reported total member output at 35.06 million bpd for March.