The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has set an ambitious goal raising Nigeria’s daily crude oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025. This target is a crucial part of the federal government’s plan to boost revenue, stabilise the economy, and meet budget projections.
But can Nigeria realistically achieve this?
Closing the Production Gap
Right now, the country’s oil output stands at around 1.7 million bpd, meaning there’s a shortfall of at least 350,000 bpd to meet the government’s 2025 budget projection of 2.062 million bpd at $75 per barrel.
To bridge this gap, NUPRC has launched a major initiative the “1M Barrels Per Day Incremental Production Initiative”. This programme aims to get oil companies, investors, and stakeholders to work together to ramp up production.
More Oil Rigs, More Production?
One promising sign is Nigeria’s rising oil rig count. Back in 2021, the country had only 16 active rigs, but by the end of 2024, that number had doubled to 32. This increase means more drilling activity, which could push production levels higher.
But oil rigs alone won’t solve Nigeria’s challenges.
The Obstacles Ahead
Even with these efforts, serious hurdles remain:
- Oil Theft & Pipeline Vandalism: Illegal activities continue to eat into Nigeria’s production capacity.
- OPEC Production Limits: Nigeria, as a member of OPEC, has to balance increasing production with the organisation’s quotas.
- Operational Costs & Investment: Oil companies need strong incentives and reduced costs to boost drilling activities.
NUPRC’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has acknowledged these issues but remains optimistic:
“We are committed to implementing strategies that will help Nigeria reach its production target. By improving efficiency and tackling security challenges, we can achieve sustainable growth in the oil sector.”
Will Nigeria Hit the 2.1 Million Bpd Target?
There’s cautious optimism. While production increased in 2024, OPEC recently reported a slight decline of 1,000 bpd in December, a reminder that Nigeria’s oil industry still faces volatility.
For now, industry experts say a mix of improved security, better infrastructure, and increased investment will be key to achieving this target. If successful, hitting 2.1 million bpd could significantly boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and economic stability in 2025.
