This figure, based on direct communication with Nigerian authorities, represents a 5.25 percent increase from the 1.31 million bpd recorded in February.
While the upward trend highlights ongoing efforts to stabilize the sector, the country remains approximately 117,000 bpd below its assigned OPEC production quota of 1.5 million bpd.
Data from secondary sources including energy intelligence platforms and independent estimates—placed Nigeria’s output slightly higher at 1.46 million bpd for the same period.
Despite the discrepancy between reporting methodologies, Nigeria maintained its status as Africa’s top oil producer in March, outperforming Libya, which recorded an output of 1.30 million bpd. This performance comes amidst significant operational and structural challenges that have caused production levels to fluctuate throughout the early part of the year.
The increase in Nigerian output stands in stark contrast to the broader global landscape, as total crude production across the OPEC alliance plummeted by 7.88 million bpd in March to average 20.79 million bpd.
This 27.5 percent decline marks one of the most significant supply disruptions in decades, largely driven by the regional war that erupted on February 28. Prior to the conflict, key OPEC+ nations had been focused on gradually restoring production, but the current market dynamics have forced massive adjustments across the alliance.
Domestically, Nigerian authorities have reported even higher figures, with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) citing production at 1.84 million bpd in early April and the NNPCL placing it at 1.71 million bpd.
These variations underscore the complexities of real-time reporting during a volatile period. For Nigeria’s oil sector, the primary focus remains closing the gap between actual output and OPEC-mandated targets to capitalize on global market shifts and secure national energy revenue.
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