- Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil-producing country, with a daily average crude oil production of 1,465,006 barrels per day as of February 2025
- The bulk of the country’s crude oil is produced in 10 states
- The top 10 oil-producing states by daily output include Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, and Lagos
As of February 2025, Nigeria’s daily average crude oil production stood at 1,465,006 barrels per day (bpd), about a five per cent decline compared to the 1,538,697 bpd recorded in January.
In January 2025, Nigeria exceeded OPEC’s production quota of 1.5 million bpd as its oil production, including crude and condensate, increased to 1.74 million bpd from 1.6 million bpd in December 2024.
The bulk of the country’s crude oil is produced in the Niger-Delta region with contributions from other states outside the region.
According to data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and compiled by Intelpoint, 10 states account for the crude oil produced in the country.
The data shows that Akwa Ibom and Anambra are the highest and least crude oil producing states, respectively, based on daily crude oil output.
10 top oil-producing states in Nigeria by daily output
1. Akwa Ibom
With 504,000 barrels per day (bpd) oil output, Akwa Ibom is Nigeria’s top oil-producing state.
Akawa Ibom’s large oil deposit is not surprising given its coastal location and vast offshore oil reserves, which make it a critical location for Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
2. Delta
Delta has a daily crude oil output of 346,000 bpd, making it the second-largest oil-producing state in Nigeria.
The state boasts numerous oil fields and key oil and gas industry players, including Shell and Chevron.
3. Rivers
Rivers State follows closely behind Delta in its daily crude oil production as it produces 344,000 bpd.
The state is a major centre for oil exploration and refining and home to several refineries and oil servicing companies, making it a crucial part of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
4. Bayelsa
Occupying the fourth place is Bayelsa State, with a daily crude oil production capacity of 290,000 bpd.
With a small landmass compared to other states in the Niger Delta region, Bayelsa is among the top oil producing states in Nigeria.
Bayelsa is also the home state of Nigeria’s first oil well, located in Oloibiri.
5. Ondo
Though located in the southwest of Nigeria, away from the Niger Delta region known for oil production, Ondo State is among the top 10 oil-producing states in Nigeria.
The state produces 60,000 bpd, with most of the production primarily offshore.
6. Lagos
In 2016, Lagos joined Nigeria’s oil-producing states following the discovery of oil in its offshore fields.
Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos, produces 40,000 bpd and is Nigeria’s sixth top oil-producing state.
Although its output is relatively small compared to the Niger Delta states, Lagos has the potential for further oil exploration and development.
7. Edo
Edo State produces 33,000 bpd, one of the Niger Delta region’s least oil-producing states.
The state has both onshore and offshore oil fields, with new exploration efforts underway.
8. Imo
Imo, the largest oil-producing state in the southeastern Nigeria, has a daily oil production capacity of 17,000 bpd.
With small but significant crude oil deposits, Imo’s oil industry is still developing and has the potential for increased output.
9. Abia
Abia accounts for a daily crude oil production of 11,000 bpd, with oil deposits in the parts close to the Niger Delta states of Rivers and Akwa Ibom.
Though its crude oil production is relatively small, its contribution to Nigeria’s overall oil production remains valuable.
10. Anambra
Anambra is the latest member of oil-producing states in Nigeria, with a daily crude oil production capacity of 3,000 bpd.
The state hopes to expand its oil industry and increase production over time.
Nigeria still Africa’s largest oil producer, as OPEC reports 1.5 million bpd output in November
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria retained its spot as Africa’s largest oil producer, according to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
OPEC, in its latest Monthly Oil Market Report for November 2024, released on Wednesday, December 11, said Nigeria’s oil output increased in November to 1.48 million barrels per day (bpd), excluding condensate, from 1.33 million bpd recorded in October 2024.
