NNPC Crude Oil Trading Reaches Five Year High Of 1.171 Million Barrels Per Day Under Ojulari Mandate

NNPC Limited reports a five year high in crude trading and record production. Discover the latest updates on Nigeria’s gas projects and refinery investments.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 4:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

State Energy Firm Achieves Major Trading Milestone

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has reported a surge in crude oil trading, reaching 1.171 million barrels per day, a level not seen in the last five years. This development was highlighted in the company's latest performance summary, titled NNPC April 2025 to April 2026 One Year Mandate Report Summary. Under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the firm has seen a parallel rise in output from its subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, which hit an all time peak of 365,000 barrels per day in December 2025.

Resolution Of Long Standing Disputes Unlocks Deepwater Assets

Significant progress was made in the regulatory landscape with the successful execution of Petroleum Prospecting Licenses 2000 and 2001 under a new Production Sharing Contract model. This specific model represents a strategic shift for the organization, as it is the first of its kind to include terms tailored for developing deepwater non associated gas resources. Furthermore, the company facilitated the resolution of a protracted dispute involving the former OPL 245 Zabazaba Ethan Project, which has now been converted into several new prospecting and mining licenses, paving the way for renewed investment in these high value assets.

Infrastructure Completion Bolsters Domestic Gas Network

The report indicates a banner year for midstream gas infrastructure, headlined by the successful completion of the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano river crossing and pipeline welding in July 2025. Additionally, the company commissioned the Assa North Ohaji South gas processing plant and finalized connections for the Obiafu Obrikom Oben gas pipeline. These technical achievements allowed the firm to close 2025 with a gas supply level of 7.5 billion standard cubic feet per day. These projects are considered vital for enhancing the country’s industrial capacity and ensuring energy security across multiple regions.