Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has reported that despite a decrease in production, Nigeria has maintained its status as Africa’s largest crude oil producer as of May.
Nigeria’s oil output, according to OPEC’s latest monthly report, fell to 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in May, down from 1.48 million bpd in April.
Despite this decline, Nigeria continues to outproduce other African nations, with its output surpassing Libya, Algeria, and Congo. In May, Libya was recorded at 1.36 million bpd, Algeria at 920,000 bpd, and Congo at 268,000 bpd. OPEC’s figures are based on direct communication with member countries.
Also, data from secondary sources suggest that Nigeria’s production was higher, reaching 1.54 million bpd in May, which is an increase from 1.52 million bpd in the previous month. This indicates a positive trend for Nigeria’s oil production moving forward.
“Total DoC crude oil production averaged 41.23 mb/d in May 2025, which is 180 tb/d higher, m-o-m,” the report reads.
