3, November 2025/Naija 247news
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ramping up crude oil production to two million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. The state-owned oil giant said ongoing reforms, renewed security strategies, and fresh upstream investments are placing Nigeria firmly on track to achieve the ambitious target that could reposition the nation as Africa’s leading oil producer.
NNPC’s latest projection aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic recovery agenda, which places strong emphasis on revitalising Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as a critical revenue source. The company disclosed that current output stands at around 1.63 million barrels per day, including condensates, but stressed that sustained reforms and new partnerships would lift daily production to 2 million barrels by 2027 and 3 million barrels by 2030.
Speaking on the new production drive, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, explained that Nigeria’s oil output is recovering steadily after years of disruption caused by theft, pipeline vandalism, and underinvestment. Kyari noted that the company’s strategic interventions are already yielding results, citing improved crude evacuation, enhanced surveillance, and stronger collaboration with host communities in the Niger Delta.
He stated, “We are now seeing consistent improvements in production. Our target is not just to produce more oil but to produce cleaner, more profitable, and more sustainable barrels. Nigeria is on course to meet 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and to expand to 3 million by 2030.”
According to the NNPC boss, achieving the 2027 milestone would depend on a blend of technological innovation, security management, and capital inflow into key upstream projects. He revealed that the company is actively engaging international partners, deploying digital monitoring systems across major pipelines, and intensifying efforts to curb crude theft and vandalism that have plagued the sector for years.
The NNPC also emphasized the importance of stable fiscal policies and a transparent regulatory framework in sustaining investor confidence. With the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) now being implemented, the company said Nigeria is gradually creating a competitive investment climate capable of attracting global oil majors and independent producers alike.
Industry analysts have described the target as ambitious but achievable if the government maintains policy consistency and security reforms. They noted that Nigeria’s daily production has fluctuated in recent years, largely due to operational challenges and oil theft estimated at hundreds of thousands of barrels per day. However, NNPC’s intensified collaboration with private security contractors, coupled with renewed investment interest, could help the country recover lost capacity.
The projection also comes as Nigeria prepares to lobby for a higher production quota from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Analysts say achieving the 2 million bpd target will strengthen Nigeria’s case for a revised quota, enabling it to fully harness its proven reserves estimated at over 37 billion barrels.
Economic experts believe that meeting the new output goal will significantly boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, enhance fiscal stability, and support the naira amid mounting global energy market pressures. The government also expects higher crude exports to improve funding for infrastructure, social welfare, and energy transition projects.
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Oil theft, pipeline sabotage, and environmental concerns in oil-producing communities continue to pose risks. There are also concerns about global decarbonisation policies and the potential decline in long-term oil demand. NNPC, however, insists that Nigeria’s strategy focuses on “producing better oil”—reducing emissions and maximizing value per barrel to remain competitive in a changing energy landscape.
The company has also reiterated its commitment to the ongoing rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, which, when fully operational, are expected to complement production efforts and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
As Nigeria charts a new course for its oil industry, the NNPC’s 2 million barrels per day target represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It underscores the nation’s resolve to restore its place as a major energy power in Africa while adapting to a rapidly evolving global energy environment. Whether the ambition becomes reality will depend on the government’s ability to sustain reforms, secure oil infrastructure, and attract steady investment. For now, the signal from the NNPC is clear — Nigeria’s oil future is looking brighter, and the journey to 2027 has already begun.
(www.naija247news.com)
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Reporting by Favor Akpan, News Writer in Lagos, Nigeria.
