Nigeria Eyes 2.06 Million Barrels Per Day Crude Oil Production by 2026
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has set an ambitious target of producing over 2.06 million barrels of crude oil per day (mbpd) by the year 2026. This optimistic projection is largely dependent on significant improvements in pipeline security and the establishment of uninterrupted crude oil flows, particularly along the crucial Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office, articulated this forecast during a recent stakeholder engagement event. Hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, the meeting brought together NNPCL officials and representatives from the TNP host communities.
According to Omojevwhe, NNPCL’s budget for 2026 is benchmarked at an even higher figure of 2.80 mbpd, with a baseline production level starting at 1.84 mbpd. The current status of the TNP, described as “green,” signifies that crude oil is flowing without significant disruptions, a critical indicator for achieving these production goals.
“We can see that the TNP is green, and what that means is that products are flowing uninterrupted,” Omojevwhe stated. “Our targeted projection is 2.06mbpd. As we draw closer to 2026, we ask that you don’t relent. This progress is because of our collective commitment.”
He emphasized that the success of Nigeria’s crude oil output strategy is intrinsically linked to the support and collaboration of local communities. Omojevwhe underscored that even the most advanced private security measures are insufficient without strong grassroots engagement.
“The communities are a vital part of this job,” he added. “If the chiefs, CDCs, youth presidents and women leaders don’t take our messages to the people, there will be nothing like ‘green’ on the pipeline.”
Government Confidence and Community Role
Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Julius Eddie echoed the federal government’s strong confidence in the TNP host communities. He described their cooperative efforts as pivotal to Nigeria’s current upward trajectory in oil production.
“Without the peace from your domain, production will not be up,” Eddie remarked. “It is ambitious, but by 2026 we are targeting over two million barrels per day. That means more revenue to government, and more resources for PINL to reach out to you.”
Strengthening Security and Community Ties
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations at PINL, attributed the improved production outlook directly to a bolstered community-security model. This model integrates enhanced surveillance operations, targeted social investments, and proactive grassroots engagement initiatives.
“We have deepened security operations to cover all oil and gas infrastructure near the TNP,” Mezeh explained. “We have strengthened community inclusion, empowered women and students, and launched the Town Crier Initiative to improve communication.”
Mezeh highlighted the achievement of “zero cases of illegal bunkering” and the growing trust between PINL and the host communities as significant successes that need to be maintained and built upon leading up to 2026. He issued a call for continued partnership, stating, “Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation.”
Call for Direct Benefits for Host Communities
In response to the positive outlook and the demonstrated commitment of the host communities to protecting national assets, His Majesty, King Philip Osaro Obele of Eleme Kingdom, urged the Federal Government to ensure that the anticipated increase in oil revenues translates into tangible development projects for these communities.
A significant aspect of the stakeholder engagement was the presentation of awards to the traditional rulers of the TNP host communities. These accolades recognized their vital contributions and unwavering support for pipeline protection efforts, underscoring the strong partnership between NNPCL, PINL, and the local leadership.
