Nigeria recorded a major boost in its crude oil production in April 2026 to hit 99.2 percent of its 1.5 million barrels per day production quota approved by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Crude oil production in Nigeria increased by 7.58 percent from March 2026 levels, according to the latest production figures released by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Crude oil output peaked in April at 1.85 million barrels per day and the lowest output for the month was 1.46 million barrels per day, the commission said.
Also, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reported improved performance in the oil and gas sector, recording about N276 billion profit after tax in March 2026 amid rising production and gas output.
In reaction to the development, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) ascribed the improved output to enhanced protection of oil and gas assets and stronger collaboration among stakeholders in host communities.
Akpos Mezeh, the General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of PINL, said during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting with representatives from Imo, Abia and Rivers States in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the production increase reflected the impact of stability and cooperation along pipeline corridors.
He said: “These figures are not normal statistics. “They are tangible proof that stability, cooperation and the ability to effectively safeguard pipeline infrastructure bring tangible economic gains for our country and our people.”
He said host communities, surveillance teams, traditional rulers and security agencies were playing critical roles in safeguarding the facilities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Eastern Gas Network.
He said pipeline vandalism incidents have reduced significantly, while intelligence gathering and stakeholder engagement continue to improve across operational areas.
Mezeh revealed that there was no infraction recorded on the Trans Niger Pipeline in the last one month, describing the development as a reflection of improved synergy among stakeholders.
He reiterated PINL’s commitment towards sustaining community engagement and social investment programmes targeted at improving livelihoods in host communities.
The PINL official also urged stakeholders to sustain the gains recorded in the sector and further improve Nigeria’s oil production output through continued support and unity.
In his reaction, HRM, Eze Sergeant Awuse, Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom in Rivers State, expressed satisfaction with the operations of the company, noting the company’s contribution towards the country’s revenue base.
He said: “I am happy with what PINL is doing to help this country.
“Your company has made it possible for more oil to flow with less vandalisation.”
King of Eleme Kingdom, HRM, Dr Philip Obele on his part, acknowledged the company for restoring sanity in the oil sector and making Nigeria profit from oil production.
He noted that pipeline vandalism has been a thing of the past in his kingdom as a result of PINL’s surveillance activities.
