Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s crude oil production fell to 1.31 million barrels per day in February 2026. This represents a 10.69% decline from the 1.45 million barrels recorded in January, according to latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Okay News reports that the drop comes amid ongoing operational challenges and geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets. The country missed its OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day, falling short by roughly 190,000 barrels.
Direct communication with Nigerian authorities confirmed the February output figure. Secondary sources placed Nigeria’s production slightly higher at 1.46 million barrels per day, down 0.68% from January’s 1.47 million.
Despite the shortfall, Nigeria maintained its position as Africa’s leading oil producer. It surpassed Libya, which produced 1.28 million barrels per day. OPEC data shows total crude production from member countries averaged 42.72 million barrels per day in February, up 445,000 barrels month-on-month.
Nigeria’s oil output has long been influenced by infrastructural limitations, security challenges in the Niger Delta, and maintenance shutdowns at key oil fields. Pipeline vandalism and crude theft contributed to production dips in 2025.
On March 2, OPEC and its allies agreed to raise oil production by 206,000 barrels per day starting in April. Crude prices spiked above $100 per barrel on March 9 amid Middle East conflicts, before retreating to $87 the following day.
The Federal Government adopted a 2.6 million barrel per day benchmark for 2026, but will use a more conservative 1.8 million for budgeting. The February shortfall means Nigeria will miss additional revenue from recent global price rises.
Analysts estimate that each 100,000 barrel per day shortfall can reduce government revenue by billions of naira monthly. Nigeria’s inability to meet its quota highlights the urgency for improved infrastructure, security, and operational efficiency.
