By Louis Akwarandu
Nigeria looks set to push for a 25 percent increase in its crude oil production quota within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) by 2027, citing significant improvements in domestic refining capacity and upstream production.
This was disclosed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bashir Ojulari. According to data provided by London-based commodity intelligence firm, Argus Media, the NNPC is aiming to raise Nigeria’s OPEC quota from the current 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) to 2 million bpd over the next two years.
Ojulari revealed that Nigeria’s current daily crude output hovers around 1.4 million bpd, with condensate production contributing an additional 250,000 bpd, bringing the total to approximately 1.65 million bpd. The NNPC is now targeting a production capacity of 2.4 million bpd — including 1.7 million bpd of crude and 300,000 bpd of condensate.
He attributed the renewed optimism to the commissioning of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery and the advancement of modular refinery projects capable of adding up to 500,000 bpd in refining capacity. These developments, according to Ojulari, position Nigeria to better justify a higher production quota.
“As we scale our in-country refining and stabilize production, we are in a stronger position to engage OPEC on adjusting our quota to reflect our growing capabilities,” he said.
This request aligns with OPEC+’s ongoing reassessment of members’ maximum sustainable output levels. For Nigeria, which has historically struggled to meet its assigned quota due to infrastructure and security challenges, this marks a strategic turnaround.
The success of Nigeria’s proposal will depend on forthcoming negotiations within the OPEC alliance. However, with stronger infrastructure, renewed investments, and rising domestic demand, industry stakeholders say the country has a compelling case for a larger share of the global oil market.
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