Nigeria’s crude oil production fell by 37,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July, interrupting a recovery in output recorded in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest report by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
OPEC’s August Monthly Oil Market Report showed that Nigeria’s crude production declined to 1.546 million bpd in July, from 1.583 million bpd in June, representing a 2.3 percent month-on-month fall.
The decline came after production had risen from an average of 1.453 million bpd in the first quarter to 1.552 million bpd in the second quarter. Output also increased from 1.554 million bpd in May to 1.583 million bpd in June before retreating in July.
Despite the July decline, Nigeria’s output remained above its 2025 average of 1.510 million bpd. July production was about 36,000 bpd higher than the previous year’s average.
“Nigeria’s near-term outlook remains positive, supported by oil production, progress on reforms, infrastructure investment, and stronger business activity,” OPEC stated.
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Meanwhile, the setback came as crude production across countries participating in the OPEC-led Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) increased in July.
According to OPEC, total DoC crude production rose by 1.42 million bpd month-on-month to 37.66 million bpd in July, based on secondary-source estimates.
Nigeria’s decline contrasted with increases recorded by some major OPEC producers. Iraq’s production rose by 665,000 bpd in July, while Saudi Arabia added 590,000 bpd and Kuwait increased output by 393,000 bpd. Libya also recorded a 40,000 bpd increase.
The latest figures showed that Nigeria’s production recovery has not been consistent. The country recorded a 99,000 bpd increase between its first and second quarter averages, but July output fell below the June level.
The July production figure also leaves Nigeria below the 1.8 million bpd production level targeted by the Federal Government, highlighting the gap between current output and its ambition to raise crude production.
For Nigeria, higher crude production is central to increasing export earnings and government revenue, while sustained output growth is also critical to attracting investment into the upstream sector.
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