Nigeria’s crude oil production recorded a modest increase in March 2026, rising to 1.38 million barrels per day, according to the latest report from OPEC.
The new figure marks an improvement from 1.31 million barrels per day posted in February, showing gradual progress in efforts to stabilize output despite persistent challenges in the sector. However, production still fell short of Nigeria’s allocated quota of 1.5 million barrels per day.
Independent estimates put Nigeria’s output even higher, at 1.46 million barrels per day, reflecting the usual gap between official submissions and secondary market assessments.
Although output growth is a good indicator for Africa’s largest oil producer, pipeline constraints, theft, underinvestment, and operational disruptions still limit Nigeria’s ability to fully meet its production objective, The News Chronicle notes.
Nigeria remained ahead of Libya, which recorded lower output for the same period, as Africa’s top crude producer in March. The rise occurs when geopolitical events and changes in worldwide oil markets remain sensitive to supply modifications.
Stronger production estimates from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the most recent data from local authorities highlight discrepancies in reporting techniques and timeframes. According to analysts, maintaining growth and closing the gap with its OPEC allocation over the next several months will be the real test for Nigeria.
