Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian government says it will press the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for a higher production quota, as the country’s output nears its full capacity, according to statements by Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).
Lokpobiri told reporters that Nigeria’s current quota of 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) — excluding condensates — no longer reflects the country’s production potential and economic realities. (The Whistler Newspaper). He noted that recent improvements in production, infrastructure and regulatory systems have strengthened the country’s case. “Today, we are producing about 1.7 million barrels daily, including condensates … and we have the capacity to produce well above 2 million barrels per day. It is time to review the quota upward,” he said. (The Whistler Newspaper)
He said Nigeria will make a strong case at the next OPEC meeting in November to have its allocation reviewed. The move comes amid renewed upstream investment in the country, enhanced pipeline security and regulatory reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). (The Whistler Newspaper)
Lokpobiri emphasised that while Nigeria is committed to OPEC’s cooperation and global supply-demand balance, the country must also ensure its energy sector meets domestic obligations. He pointed out that higher production linked to local refineries, such as the Dangote Refining & Petrochemical Company project, underscores Nigeria’s need for increased quota. (TheCable)
In earlier remarks, Lokpobiri affirmed Nigeria’s compliance with its current quota but reiterated that improved output and export performance warrant upward adjustment. (Punch Newspapers)
What this means:
Nigeria’s official quota from OPEC remains at 1.5 million bpd. (The Whistler Newspaper)
The country asserts it is already producing 1.7 million bpd including condensates, and targets over 2 million bpd. (The Whistler Newspaper)
Nigeria will present its case for a quota review at the upcoming OPEC meeting, citing capacity improvements and domestic development needs.
The request comes amid a broader global context of oil-market balancing and OPEC’s efforts to manage supply.
Stakeholders’ reactions:
Industry analysts say Nigeria’s bid for a higher quota is plausible given recent upstream recovery and reforms, but note that quotas are influenced by geopolitical and cartel-wide considerations, including adherence to production discipline. (S&P Global)
