Delta state has cemented its place as Nigeria’s most productive oil state, according to fresh data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Covering the period from November 2023 to September 2024, the report shows that Delta alone produced a staggering 99.9 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, the highest output by any state during the period.

This volume represents more than one-third of Nigeria’s total attributed production of 295.34 million barrels.

The dominance of Delta reflects both the concentration of upstream assets in the region and relatively stable production conditions.

Top 5 oil-producing states (Nov 2023 – Sept 2024)

Delta – 99.9 million barrels
Akwa Ibom – 60.32 million barrels
Bayelsa – 53.2 million barrels
Rivers – 50.83 million barrels
Ondo – 8.71 million barrels

The traditional oil belt still rules

Despite efforts to diversify the sources of Nigeria’s oil production, four traditional Niger Delta states, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers, remain the undisputed heavyweights, accounting for almost 90% of Nigeria’s oil output.

Each of these states hosts major oil blocks operated by multinational giants like Shell, Chevron, and NNPC E&P Limited, along with several indigenous firms.

Outside these top performers, Ondo, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Anambra recorded modest volumes. Notably, Edo contributed 7.76 million barrels, while Imo followed with 6.32 million barrels.

Anambra and Abia produced 4.77 million and 3.41 million barrels, respectively.

Lagos falls off the oil map

One of the more surprising revelations from the report is Lagos State’s zero oil and gas output during the period.

This is despite its recognition as an oil-producing state in 2016, following marginal production from the Aje Field in the Dahomey Basin.

In 2023, Lagos claimed it had earned N3.911 billion in oil revenues.

However, disputes among asset owners of OML 113 have stalled production, leaving the state with no crude or gas output in nearly a year.

Gas production tells a parallel story

While Delta led in crude oil, Rivers State topped the gas chart, producing 391.3 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of gas. Bayelsa followed with 341.2 billion scf, and Delta again featured prominently with 318.2 billion scf.

Akwa Ibom produced 211.9 billion scf, reinforcing the region's importance in both oil and gas supply chains.

Interestingly, Edo emerged as a strong performer in gas, producing 95.4 billion scf, far outpacing its oil contribution.

Other states like Ondo (27.1 billion scf) and Anambra (7.4 billion scf) showed promise in gas development.

What the data means

In total, Nigeria produced 1.4 trillion scf of gas between November 2023 and September 2024.

The figures once again highlight the strategic importance of the Niger Delta, not only in oil but also in the growing gas economy.

According to a ThisDay report, the NUPRC’s attribution system ensures that states are fairly compensated for their contributions, with monthly remittances calculated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) based on these figures.

While Delta and its neighbours continue to dominate, the production gap between leading and lagging states raises questions about Nigeria’s broader energy strategy.

Unlocking the full potential of other regions, through investments in marginal fields, gas infrastructure, and legal clarity, remains essential if the country is to expand its hydrocarbon footprint beyond the Niger Delta.

A prior report by Legit.ng disclosed that Nigeria's crude oil production rose to 1.8 million barrels in June, nearing the 2mbpd target set by the Nigerian government.

Nigeria’s crude oil production has surged past the 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) mark for the first time in July 2025, according to the NUPRC.

This significant milestone was announced at a stakeholders’ workshop held in Abuja, as part of the commission’s drive to reposition the oil and gas sector for long-term sustainability.

Petrol prices may surpass N1,000 per litre

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria was on the cusp of a major fuel price surge, as petrol landing costs edged closer to, and might soon surpass, N900 per litre.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) already raised pump prices to as high as N955/litre in some locations, with independent marketers following suit.