The Federal Government has projected a rise of about 600,000 barrels per day in crude oil production, driven by new investments and approved field development projects in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the anticipated increase will come from 28 Field Development Plans (FDPs) approved in 2025, expected to deliver roughly 600,000 barrels of crude oil and over two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
If achieved, the new output will raise Nigeria’s total daily crude production to about 1.89 million barrels, up from 1.39 million barrels per day recorded in September.
NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this during the 2025 World Energies Summit organised by the Frontier Energy Network in London.
In a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, Komolafe said:
“In 2025 alone, 28 new Field Development Plans have been approved, unlocking 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of gas. These projects will add about 600,000 barrels of oil per day and more than two billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, supported by $18.2 billion in committed CAPEX.”
He noted that the development signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which continues to attract major investments despite global pressure for energy transition.
Komolafe added that the Tinubu administration’s reforms have created a favourable environment for investors, citing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the three Executive Orders issued in 2024 as major enablers.
According to him, the reforms have promoted transparency, stability, and competitiveness, while the Decade of Gas initiative is positioning Nigeria as a key player in global energy transition.
He explained that the Commission has rolled out 24 new regulations benchmarked against international standards and that rig activity in Nigeria has increased from eight in 2021 to 70 in 2025, with 41 currently drilling on-site.
“Production has grown from 1.46 million barrels per day in October 2024 to around 1.8 million barrels per day,” he said.
“Major projects such as the $5 billion Bonga North and $500 million Ubeta Gas Project reflect renewed investor confidence, with more investment decisions expected soon.”
Komolafe further highlighted that the Host Communities provisions of the PIA have enhanced cooperation between companies and host areas, improving operational efficiency.
He invited both local and international investors to participate in the upcoming Block Licensing Round, stressing that the current administration remains committed to driving sustainable growth in the oil and gas industry.
Meanwhile, fresh investments continue to flow into the sector. On Tuesday, Shell announced a $2 billion investment in the HI Field, a shallow offshore gas project in Oil Mining Lease 144, bringing total upstream investment commitments under the Tinubu administration to over $8 billion since 2023.
