Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Quota as TNP Operations Stabilises
Nigeria has exceeded its OPEC crude oil production quota for the first time in 2026, with improved operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) identified as a key factor in the recovery.
Figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Thursday, June 11 showed national oil output rose 2.2 per cent in May, increasing from 1.66 million barrels per day in April to about 1.70 million barrels per day.
The report said crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, above Nigeria’s 1.5 million barrels per day OPEC quota for the first time this year.
The development was highlighted at a stakeholders meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Port Harcourt, attended by host communities from Rivers, Imo and Abia states.
Traditional rulers at the meeting called for stronger institutional support for the company’s efforts to keep the pipeline operational.
PINL General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said overtime, the TNP has made progress, hence bringing about stability.
“The Trans Niger Pipeline continues to record remarkable operational stability.”
He said the improvement reflected stronger operational stability on the TNP, deeper community participation, and a collective commitment by government, security agencies and host communities to reject crude theft and pipeline vandalism.
According to him, more reliable pipeline operations are contributing to government revenue, energy security and investor confidence.
Chairman of the South South Monarchs Forum and Nye Nweli Emohua, Eze Sergeant Awuse, said:
“Some people who are not patriotic enough will want to spoil your good works.”
“This is the time the National Security Adviser and the relevant agencies should give you more support, because if our oil production goes down, it will affect every act of governance.”
The King of Eleme Kingdom, His Majesty Dr. Philip Obele Osaro, said PINL’s programmes had reduced youth restiveness and argued that increased funding would expand youth and women empowerment initiatives across host communities.
Akponime Omojewvhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office, urged communities to report suspicious activities promptly, saying early information remained critical to protecting the pipeline corridor.
The latest production figures strengthen Nigeria’s push to sustain higher output levels while protecting critical oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
