Nigeria’s crude oil production surpassed its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota in May 2026, reaching its highest level in 11 months and reinforcing the country’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer.
Data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that Nigeria produced an average of 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil per day (bpd) in May, alongside 170,446 bpd of condensates. This brought total combined production to approximately 1.7 million bpd.
The average crude oil output represented 102 per cent of Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to increase hydrocarbon production and boost revenue generation.
Industry stakeholders have attributed the improved output to enhanced pipeline surveillance and security operations carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army and personnel of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited across the Niger Delta region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, highlighted the impact of these security efforts during the inauguration of a transit residence for senior officers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The accommodation facility, comprising 60 units of one-bedroom flats, was constructed with support from Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the event, Emekah stressed the importance of personnel welfare in enhancing operational efficiency and maintaining security across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the accommodation project aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which prioritises troop welfare as a key factor in achieving operational success.
“The completion of these 60 units of one-bedroom flats is a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnership, shared vision, and commitment to national development,” Emekah said.
He noted that collaborations with stakeholders such as Tantita Security Services have significantly improved the operational environment in the Niger Delta, contributing to increased crude oil production.
“These efforts have contributed immensely to the attainment of the current crude oil production output of approximately 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day, a remarkable feat that has not been achieved since 2009,” he stated.
Representing the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Pondi, the company’s General Manager (Security), Brigadier General Efemena Edafioghor (retd.), reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with security agencies in protecting oil and gas infrastructure.
Edafioghor praised the Nigerian Army for its role in safeguarding national assets, maintaining internal security, and supporting economic development.
“The Nigerian Army has continued to play a critical role in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of our nation. Beyond its constitutional responsibilities, the Army has remained at the forefront of maintaining internal security, combating criminality, protecting critical national assets, and supporting national development,” he said.
He explained that the decision by Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering Services to support the accommodation project was driven by their belief that personnel welfare is essential to operational effectiveness.
According to him, sustained collaboration between indigenous companies, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies has produced positive results in protecting the nation’s oil and gas assets and enhancing economic stability.
“As these accommodation units are commissioned today, we trust that this facility will serve as a lasting symbol of the fruitful partnership between the Nigerian Army and responsible corporate organisations working together for the advancement of our nation,” Edafioghor added.
The latest production figures underscore Nigeria’s progress in tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and production disruptions, while signalling renewed momentum in the country’s oil and gas sector.
