Nigeria’s crude oil production has reached its highest level in 2025, according to new data released by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The country’s daily average output climbed to 1.505 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, marking a 3.58% increase from the 1.453 million bpd recorded in May.
This figure, disclosed in OPEC’s latest Monthly Oil Market Report, was sourced through direct communication with Nigerian authorities. The oil cartel typically compiles production data from both official member reports and independent industry sources.
The June output places Nigeria above its OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd for only the second time this year. It also represents the highest production volume since January, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as Africa’s top crude oil producer. Algeria follows with a distant 927,000 bpd.
Secondary sources consulted by OPEC estimated Nigeria’s output even higher, at 1.547 million bpd, reflecting a 1.24% rise from May’s estimate of 1.528 million bpd. These figures indicate a consistent upward trend in Nigeria’s oil production, bolstering hopes of recovery in the country’s vital energy sector.
According to OPEC, “total DoC crude oil production averaged 41.56 mb/d in June 2025, which is 349 tb/d higher, m-o-m,” highlighting a month-on-month global increase in output by member and participating non-member countries under the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) agreement.
Exports To OECD Countries See Growth
In addition to the rise in production, OPEC’s report noted increased oil exports to member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The preliminary data for May 2025 showed OECD commercial inventories standing at 2,771 million barrels, a month-on-month increase of 34.5 million barrels.
However, despite the rise, this level remains 75.1 million barrels lower than the same period last year. It is also 127.7 million barrels below the latest five-year average and 184.2 million barrels short of the 2015–2019 benchmark.
OECD total product stocks, which include refined products such as gasoline and diesel, also rose by 20.1 million barrels in May to reach 1,413 million barrels. Still, this figure remains 43.7 million barrels below the same period last year and continues to lag behind both recent and historical averages.
OPEC and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, earlier this month agreed to increase production by 548,000 bpd in August. This follows a period of output declines, especially in May 2025, when several members enforced voluntary cuts to make up for previous overproduction.
The group reported that its eight participating nations in the voluntary cut deal had increased production by only 154,000 bpd in May, far short of the targeted 411,000 bpd rise. This cautious approach underscores efforts to stabilize global oil markets amid ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Meanwhile, OPEC has issued a stark warning about long-term oil supply risks. Speaking at the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week Conference, OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais forecasted a potential global shortfall of 23 million bpd by 2030. He emphasized the need for $17.4 trillion in upstream investment to meet future demand and avoid supply shocks.
