Nigeria’s Oil Production Surpasses 1.8MBPD In July – Komolafe
… Says Project 1 MMBOPD Yielding Benefit
In a major boost to Nigeria’s energy sector, crude oil production soared past 1.8 million barrels per day (MMBOPD) in July, marking the country’s highest output in recent times and signaling renewed momentum in upstream operations.
This achievement, announced by Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), showcases the success of Nigeria’s strategic reforms and multi-stakeholder collaboration in revitalising oil production.
The milestone was revealed during his remarks delivered by Enorense Amadasu, the commission’s Executive Commissioner for Development and Production—at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigerian Council event in Lagos on Monday.
Komolafe disclosed that the country’s crude output reached a peak of over 1.8 MMBOPD last month, with an average production of 1.78 MMBOPD.
“We are glad to report that we crossed the 1.8 MMBOPD mark on peak production last month, with average production hovering at 1.78 MMBOPD,” The NUPRC boss stated.
He also referenced the ongoing “Project 1 MMBOPD Incremental Initiative,” which has seen steady progress following a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders.
The NUPRC boss noted that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, the commission has formally introduced 21 crucial regulations, with others currently in development.
“These regulations provide the clarity required to support investment, streamline administration, and align upstream operations with national and global priorities,” Komolafe explained.
Among these regulatory instruments, he highlighted several key policies like the Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, which aim to improve transparency and accountability through the use of advanced technology for accurate measurement of production.
He further emphasized the importance of domestic energy access and safe operational standards through additional frameworks.
The NUPRC boss said, “The Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations, which improve energy access and strengthen the local supply chain. The Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations, which ensure safe operations and workforce protection.
“The Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations set clear standards for responsible end-of-life asset management.”
“These instruments demonstrate our commitment to creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, secures long-term value, and ensures the responsible stewardship of Nigeria’s upstream resources.”
He also shared updates on key initiatives aimed at enhancing industry operations. Notably, the commission recently convened stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting collaborative development in both shallow and deepwater regions.
“To begin with, just last week, the Commission assembled industry practitioners to deliberate on a workable strategy to foster cluster development in the shallow and deepwater,” Komolafe said.
“Through an industry-wide implementation vehicle, we will evolve policy frameworks and operational mechanisms to valorise stranded or marginally economic oil & gas resources through joint development strategies.”
In line with efforts to ensure sustained oil output, Komolafe said the commission is currently refining its Maximum Efficient Rate (MER) framework. This involves better handling of produced water, and synchronising maintenance and shutdowns to minimise disruptions in production.
“Given the above and with the concerted efforts of all, the presidential mandate on production increase is well within reach,” he affirmed.
On the broader path to sustainability, Komolafe said the NUPRC is also rolling out its Upstream Oil & Gas Decarbonisation & Sustainability Blueprint, which is structured around seven core pillars to guide the industry’s transition.
The overall strategy, he explained, is designed to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s upstream sector by attracting investment, ensuring continued financing, and keeping the industry globally competitive.
“We call on all operators to collaborate with us as we incorporate decarbonisation measures in Field Development, Facility Engineering, and Production Operations to accrue the afore-mentioned benefits,” Komolafe urged.
Komolafe concluded by stressing the necessity of shared responsibility and forward-thinking solutions: “Building a sustainable energy future will demand trade-offs, innovation, and coordinated effort.”
Nigeria’s Oil Production Surpasses 1.8MBPD In July – Komolafe is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
