The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has achieved a significant milestone in crude oil production, with its upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), reaching a daily output of 355,000 barrels on December 1, 2025. This marks the highest daily production in 36 years, contributing to a 52% increase in average daily production from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025.
The Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in the Extractive Industry (CCSTEI) has commended NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, for the achievement, attributing it to bold reforms that have enhanced transparency, operational efficiency, and crude oil production. Since Ojulari’s leadership began in April 2025, NNPCL has shifted towards a more commercially driven and accountable entity, with consistent publication of monthly performance reports fostering real-time stakeholder oversight.
The company’s 2024 audited results also showed a record revenue of 45.1 trillion and a profit after tax of 5.4 trillion, marking a 64% year-on-year growth in profit. NNPCL is investing in gas infrastructure, including projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System, and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline, aimed at achieving targets of 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion by 2030.
Despite challenges such as oil theft, global energy transitions, and lingering public skepticism, CCSTEI has called for continued support for Ojulari’s leadership. The civic group recommends further enhancements in public engagement, third-party audits, anti-corruption measures, local content development, and alignment with energy transition goals.
CCSTEI notes that Ojulari and his team are restoring confidence in NNPCL after challenging years, and with continued resolve, the company will drive economic prosperity and serve as a beacon of transparent governance in Africa. The achievement is a significant step forward for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy.