Nigeria’s crude oil production has the potential to increase to 1.9 million barrels per day in the near term, following recent gains in output, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made this known on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by the NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, on Wednesday.
Eyesan stated that Nigeria’s oil industry has continued to experience steady production growth, with crude oil output rising to a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day in May, a development she said reflects the sector’s ongoing recovery.
She added that discussions during the meeting also centered on deepening cooperation between the NUPRC and the Nigeria Revenue Service to enhance transparency, accountability and operational efficiency in the collection of revenues from the oil and gas sector.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigeria Revenue Service have deepened their collaboration to promote transparency and accountability in the collection of oil and gas revenue.
“This was the resolution after a meeting between the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and the Chairman of the NRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, at the NRS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.”
Speaking during the meeting, Eyesan praised the leadership of the Nigeria Revenue Service for driving reforms that led to the enactment of the NRS Act, describing the transition of revenue collection responsibilities as smooth and well-coordinated.
She noted that the handover process had been seamless and also highlighted the NUPRC’s ongoing efforts to create a more conducive operating environment for players in the oil and gas industry.
“We are here to enable them, enable their businesses, ensure that they survive and succeed. And we want to grow the pie because when you grow the pie, everybody benefits,” she said.
Eyesan said recent improvements in crude oil output indicate that ongoing industry reforms and collaborative efforts among stakeholders are beginning to deliver tangible results.
She added that Nigeria’s crude oil production could rise to 1.9 million barrels per day in the near term, noting that the country recorded a peak output of 1.86 million barrels per day in May.
“We are back to production. We are ramping up now, and we want to continue working. We still recognise the constraints. Infrastructure and asset integrity are major constraints, but we will work on these. Even human capacity in the industry—we see that because we want to grow, we must also grow that capacity to meet the demands,” Eyesan said.
The NUPRC chief executive also revealed that one of her key priorities upon assuming office was the digitisation of the Commission’s operations, adding that the objective has largely been achieved through the implementation of various technology-driven initiatives.
Responding, the NRS chairman commended the Commission for its dynamism, professionalism and commitment to transparency. He also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the NUPRC, particularly in areas relating to the transfer of revenue collection responsibilities under the provisions of the new Act.
Adedeji said, “It is in the interest of Nigeria that we work together to grow revenue for the country in transparency for the good of Nigerians. So, there is no way we would do something to jeopardise the progress or sustainability of another agency.
“I collect revenue. I don’t generate revenue. Wherever revenue is, I work on it and keep an account for you. So, I’m helping you to collect your royalties.”
