December 09, (THEWILL) — NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), the upstream exploration and production subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has set a new production record, hitting 355,000 barrels of oil per day on December 1, 2025.
A statement signed on Tuesday by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, said the historic milestone, the highest daily output since the company’s establishment in 1989, underscores NEPL’s ongoing transformation, driven by operational discipline, strong asset management, and structured field development. It also signals a significant boost for Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, demonstrating that with strategic leadership and a committed workforce, the country’s energy ambitions can translate into measurable results.
The milestone also brings Nigeria closer to its national production targets of 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030, goals that have often been viewed as ambitious. NEPL’s achievement proves that these targets are within reach.
According to official figures, NEPL’s average daily production has surged 52%, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025, reflecting sustained growth rather than a one-off achievement.
Speaking on the development, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPC Limited, said the milestone confirms that Nigeria’s energy revival is not a distant dream, but a reality already taking shape.
“By surpassing its own production benchmarks, NEPL has shown that the essential building blocks for scaling national output — equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships — are firmly in place. This achievement also signals to partners and investors worldwide that Nigeria is committed to being a dependable energy supplier,” Ojulari stated.
Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, noted that the milestone goes beyond the headline 355,000 bpd figure.
“In a sector where shortcuts may yield short-term gains but cause long-term harm, NEPL is proving that sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. Scaling production cannot come at the expense of worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection. This approach reflects a shift from extraction at any cost toward sustainable value creation — a principle essential for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” said Ntia.
Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, said the record-setting performance reflects the broader transformation unfolding across NNPC Limited.
“This success story is built on leadership that charts a clear course, partnerships grounded in accountability, and a workforce whose dedication turns targets into measurable progress. Our people, processes, and principles are the true engines behind this achievement. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today”, Foucart stated, adding that for Nigerians, the accomplishment represents far more than increased barrels of oil.
“It translates into higher national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only increased hydrocarbon production; it has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and commitment”, he said.
NNPC E&P Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NNPC Limited, responsible for the exploration and production of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. Its performance plays a critical role in the country’s energy supply chain and in achieving national production targets.
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