Nigeria plans to push for a higher crude oil production quota at the upcoming Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in November, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
Speaking in Abuja during a media session with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Lokpobiri said Nigeria’s current OPEC quota of about 1.5 million barrels per day no longer reflects the nation’s production potential.
“The OPEC quota is reviewed periodically, and in November, we’ll be making a strong case for an upward review,” he said.
“Nigeria now has the capacity to produce over two million barrels per day, so it’s only right that our quota is increased.”
He explained that Nigeria’s growing production levels, improved infrastructure, and renewed investment confidence in the oil sector provide a solid foundation for the country’s demand.
“When I assumed office, production was below 1.5 million barrels a day.
“Today, we’re doing around 1.7 million, including condensates, and our infrastructure can support even more,” the minister said.
Lokpobiri noted that condensates — a lighter, high-value crude not subject to OPEC restrictions — offer Nigeria flexibility without breaching quota limits.
“If we produce 1.5 million barrels of crude and an additional one million barrels of condensates, we’re still compliant,” he added.
He said Nigeria’s presentation at the OPEC meeting would include verified production data, domestic supply commitments under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and evidence of expanded capacity.
Lokpobiri attributed the country’s production rebound to better security and restored pipeline integrity across the Niger Delta.
“Previously, companies were reluctant to produce because crude stolen in transit rarely reached export terminals.
“Now, what goes in comes out at the terminals,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s rig count has risen sharply from around 14 to nearly 50, reflecting renewed activity in the upstream sector.
The minister praised the rise of local oil companies following divestments by major multinationals like Shell, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil.
“Our indigenous operators are proving their capacity,” he said.
“Renaissance has added over 60,000 barrels per day since taking over Shell’s assets, while Seplat has boosted production by 40,000 barrels from ExxonMobil’s portfolio.”
He commended the NUPRC, led by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, for restoring investor confidence and strengthening regulatory transparency under the PIA.
“The PIA has brought stability to Nigeria’s oil sector, and NUPRC is now a model that other African countries are studying,” he said.
Lokpobiri also highlighted the creation of the African Petroleum Regulatory Forum (AFRIPERF), coordinated by the NUPRC, which he said aims to unify Africa’s voice in global energy policy and ensure fair investment across the continent.
He credited President Bola Tinubu’s executive orders with helping to reduce production costs and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
“When I took office, we were producing about one million barrels per day. Today, we’re between 1.7 and 1.8 million, and the cost of production is gradually coming down,” he said.
The minister stressed that Africa must define its own energy transition pathway, noting that the continent’s contribution to global emissions remains minimal.
“Africa accounts for less than three percent of global emissions. We cannot industrialise without reliable energy,” he said.
“While the West pushes for transition, they continue to increase their production.
“The U.S. produces over 20 million barrels daily — so why should Africa stop?”
Lokpobiri affirmed that Nigeria will continue using its oil and gas resources to drive economic growth, attract investment, and secure its place in the global energy market.
