The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, says the historic 355,000 barrels per day (bpd) production achieved by NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL) demonstrates that Nigeria is firmly on course to boost its national crude output.

Ojulari made the remark in a statement issued by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh.

NEPL recently hit 355,000 bpd—its highest daily production since 1989. The company’s performance reflects a major turnaround, with average daily production rising by 52 percent, from 203,000 bpd in 2023 to 312,000 bpd in 2025.

Reacting to the milestone, Ojulari said the achievement proves that Nigeria’s energy-sector revival is no longer aspirational but already unfolding.

“By surpassing its own production benchmarks, NEPL has shown that the core foundations for scaling national output are now being solidly built.

“This success demonstrates that equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships can be managed with commercial discipline to deliver real and positive outcomes,” he said.

Also commenting, Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, said the significance of the development extends beyond the headline figure.

“In an industry where shortcuts may offer quick gains but cause long-term harm, NEPL is making a different statement: sustainable progress depends on responsible operations.

“This ensures that higher production does not compromise worker safety, community welfare, or environmental protection,” Ntia noted.

He added that the approach reflects a shift from “extraction at any cost” to sustainable value creation—a standard required for modern energy companies seeking global competitiveness.

DAILY POST reports that Nigeria is targeting a national production level of 2.5 million barrels per day by 2026.