Nigeria’s crude oil production fell by 37,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July, dropping to 1.546 million bpd, according to the latest data from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The decline represents a setback for Africa’s biggest oil producer after output had recorded an improvement in the second quarter of the year.
OPEC’s latest figures, reported in its monthly oil market report, put Nigeria’s July crude production, excluding condensates, at 1.546 million bpd, down from about 1.583 million bpd in June.
The latest fall comes amid continued efforts by the Nigerian government and oil industry operators to raise production and curb the disruptions that have historically affected the country’s petroleum sector.
Nigeria has been seeking to boost crude output through improved security, increased investment and measures aimed at restoring production from mature and marginal oil fields.
The country’s oil production remains closely watched because crude exports are a major source of foreign exchange and government revenue.
The latest OPEC figures also come as the oil market faces significant geopolitical and supply uncertainties. OPEC recently lowered its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026 to 580,000 bpd, while maintaining expectations of stronger demand growth in 2027.
For Nigeria, sustaining higher crude production remains critical to improving export earnings, strengthening government revenues and supporting the country’s broader economic recovery.
The July decline therefore highlights the continuing challenge of translating Nigeria’s vast petroleum reserves into consistently higher and more reliable production.
